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A PRIORI
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to a necessary effect; not supported by fact
Example:
an a priori judgment
Classified under:
Also:
analytic; analytical (of a proposition that is necessarily true independent of fact or experience)
deductive (involving inferences from general principles)
Antonym:
a posteriori (involving reasoning from facts or particulars to general principles or from effects to causes)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Based on hypothesis or theory rather than experiment
Classified under:
Similar:
theoretic; theoretical (concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations)
II. (adverb)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Derived by logic, without observed facts
Classified under:
Antonym:
a posteriori (derived from observed facts)
