A Priori Pronunciation: /ˌeɪ praɪˈɔːri/ Part of Speech: Adverbial phrase Literal Meaning: From what comes before. Academic Use: Used for an idea, conclusion, judgement, or form of knowledge established through reasoning before examining particular evidence or experience. Usage Tip: Use a priori when the reasoning comes first and the evidence comes later, or when a conclusion does not depend on observing a particular case. Think: reason first, evidence later. Examples: The argument assumes a priori that rational agents seek consistent principles of action. The researcher rejected the a priori assumption that technological development necessarily produces social progress. An a priori judgement can arise from conceptual reasoning rather than empirical observation. The theory establishes an a priori distinction between individual freedom and collective authority. The philosophical argument proceeds a priori , without relying on data collected from particular societies. A Posteriori Pronunciation: /ˌeɪ …