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a priori Definition

a· prio·ri (ā′ prī ôr′ī, -ôr′ē; -ä′-)

,

  1. from cause to effect or from a generalization to particular instances; deductive or deductively
  2. based on theory, logic, fixed rules or forms, etc. instead of on experience or experiment
  3. 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

  1. ‹ a-
  2. ‹ a posteriori
  3. ‹ à pied
  4. ‹ à outrance
  5. ‹ A one
  6. ‹ A-OK
  7. ‹ A/o
  8. ‹ a mensa et thoro
  9. ‹ A.M.
  10. ‹ A-list
  1. A-proposition ›
  2. A & R ›
  3. (a) run for one's money ›
  4. A shares ›
  5. a tempo ›
  6. A-to-D ›
  7. A.U.C. ›
  8. a vinculo matrimonii ›
  9. à votre santé ›
  10. A1C ›