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priori

a priori

adverb ah-pree-OH-ree Rare
Grammar & Structure Particles

Origin: Latin: 'from what comes before'

Usage Note

A priori is a Latin phrase used in Spanish (written as two words, sometimes italicised) to mean 'based on prior reasoning rather than experience'. It appears in philosophy, law, and academic writing, and functions adverbially (a priori, la idea parece razonable). Its opposite is a posteriori, based on experience.

Examples

"A priori, la propuesta parece razonable."

Natural Translation

A priori, the proposal seems reasonable.

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