Another Word For A priori

Meaning

The term "a priori" refers to knowledge or reasoning that is independent of experience. It involves understanding or conclusions that can be deduced through logic or theoretical deduction rather than through empirical observation or experimentation. In other words, it is knowledge that is considered to be universally true or self-evident, without needing to be tested or verified through real-world experiences.

Synonyms

• Deductive
• Theoretical
• Logical
• Presumptive
• Preliminary

Antonyms

• Empirical
• A posteriori
• Observational
• Inductive

Etymology

The term "a priori" comes from Latin, where "a" means "from" and "prior" means "earlier" or "before." Thus, "a priori" can be translated as "from the former" or "from what is known."

Examples

1. Mathematics often relies on a priori reasoning to establish theorems and principles that do not require experimental verification.
2. In philosophy, certain truths are considered a priori, such as "all bachelors are unmarried men."
3. The scientist made an a priori assumption about the behavior of the particles based on established theories.
4. In his argument, he claimed that an a priori understanding of morality was crucial to his ethical framework.