Definitions for a prioriˌeɪ praɪˈɔr aɪ, -ˈoʊr aɪ, ˌeɪ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i, ˌɑ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
a pri•o•riˌeɪ praɪˈɔr aɪ, -ˈoʊr aɪ, ˌeɪ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i, ˌɑ priˈɔr i, -ˈoʊr i(adj.)
from a general law to a particular instance; valid independently of observation.
Category: Philosphy
Ref: Compare a posteriori (def. 1). 1
existing in the mind independent of experience.
Category: Philosphy
conceived beforehand.
Category: Philosphy
Origin of a priori:
1645–55; < L: lit., from the one before. See a -4, prior1
a•pri•or•i•ty-ˈɔr ɪ ti -ˈɒr-(n.)
Princeton's WordNet
a priori(adj)
involving deductive reasoning from a general principle to a necessary effect; not supported by fact
"an a priori judgment"
a priori(adverb)
based on hypothesis or theory rather than experiment
a priori(adverb)
derived by logic, without observed facts
Wiktionary
a priori(Adverb)
In a way based on theoretical deduction rather than empirical observation
a priori(Adjective)
Known ahead of time.
a priori(Adjective)
Based on hypothesis rather than experiment.
a priori(Adjective)
Self-evident, intuitively obvious
a priori(Adjective)
Presumed without analysis
a priori(Adjective)
Developed entirely from scratch, without deriving it from existing languages.
Webster Dictionary
A priori(u)
characterizing that kind of reasoning which deduces consequences from definitions formed, or principles assumed, or which infers effects from causes previously known; deductive or deductively. The reverse of a posteriori
A priori(u)
applied to knowledge and conceptions assumed, or presupposed, as prior to experience, in order to make experience rational or possible
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