a priori
a priori
Definition
a· prio·ri (ā′ prī ôr′ī, -ôr′ē; -ä′-)
,
- from cause to effect or from a generalization to particular instances; deductive or deductively
- based on theory, logic, fixed rules or forms, etc. instead of on experience or experiment
- before examination or analysis
Etymology: L, lit., from what precedes < a, ab, from + priori, abl. of prior: see prior
a priori
Law Definition
n
Latin
From what is before. Deductive reasoning or
the ascertaining of truth by proceeding from an assumption to its logical
conclusion rather than by actual experience or observation. For example, one
who walks by a store when its alarm is sounding and sees that its window is
broken can deduce that a burglary has occurred without having watched the
burglars commit the actual crime.
Browse dictionary entries near a priori
- a-
- a posteriori
- à pied
- à outrance
- A one
- A-OK
- A/o
- a mensa et thoro
- A.M.
- A-list
- A-proposition
- A & R
- (a) run for one's money
- A shares
- a tempo
- A-to-D
- A.U.C.
- a vinculo matrimonii
- à votre santé
- A1C
