Pronunciation: ˌ ä-pr ē - ' o ̇ r- ē , ˌ a-; ˌ ā -( ˌ )pr ī - ' o ̇ r- ˌ ī , - ˌ pr ē - ' o ̇ r- ē
Function: adjective
Etymology: L, literally, from the former
Date: 1652
1 a : DEDUCTIVE b : relating to or derived by reasoning from self-evident propositions ― compare A POSTERIORI c : presupposed by experience
2 a : being without examination or analysis : PRESUMPTIVE b : formed or conceived beforehand
– a priori adverb
– apri · or · i · ty \ - ' o ̇ r- ə -t ē \ noun