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a posteriori

adjective
a pos·​te·​ri·​o·​ri | \ ˌä-(ˌ)pō-ˌstir-ē-ˈȯr-ē How to pronounce a posteriori (audio) , -ˌster-; ˌā-(ˌ)pä-ˌstir-ē-ˈȯr-ˌī, -(ˌ)pō-, -ˈȯr-ē How to pronounce a posteriori (audio) \

Definition of a posteriori

1 : inductive
2 : relating to or derived by reasoning from observed facts — compare a priori
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Other Words from a posteriori

a posteriori adverb

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A posteriori, Latin for "from the latter", is a term from logic, which usually refers to reasoning that works backward from an effect to its causes. This kind of reasoning can sometimes lead to false conclusions. The fact that sunrise follows the crowing of a rooster, for example, doesn't necessarily mean that the rooster's crowing caused the sun to rise.

First Known Use of a posteriori

1588, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for a posteriori

Latin, literally, from the latter

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More Definitions for a posteriori

a posteriori

adjective
How to pronounce a posteriori (audio) How to pronounce a posteriori (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of a posteriori

formal : relating to what can be known by observation rather than through an understanding of how certain things work

See the full definition for a posteriori in the English Language Learners Dictionary

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