Aposteriori

/ˌeɪ poʊˌstɪriˈɔːraɪ/ adjective

Definition

Relating to knowledge or reasoning derived from experience or empirical evidence rather than from theory or logic alone. Based on observation after the fact.

Etymology

From Latin 'a posteriori' meaning 'from what comes after,' literally 'from the latter.' Used in medieval philosophy to distinguish experiential knowledge from purely logical reasoning.

Kelly Says

Remember 'A POSTERIORI' = 'After experience' - you learn AFTER (post) you observe! Think 'posterior' (behind/after) - this knowledge comes from looking back at what happened. Opposite of a priori (before experience).

Related Words

Explore More Words

Get the Word Orb API

Complete word intelligence in one call. Free tier — 50 lookups/day.