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priori

a priori

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

Origin: Latin: 'from the earlier (thing)'

Also means

in advance

Usage Note

Priori is almost always used in the fixed phrase a priori, meaning something known by reasoning rather than experience. In everyday Italian it can also mean 'beforehand' or 'from the outset', as in sapere a priori che qualcosa non funzionerà. It is a formal register borrowing — in informal speech Italians prefer in anticipo or prima.

Examples

"Non puoi giudicare a priori senza i fatti."

Natural Translation

You cannot judge a priori without the facts.

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