Main Entry: a pri·o·ri Pronunciation: "ä-prE-'or-E, "a-; "A-(")prI-'or-"I, -"prE-'or-E Function: adjective Etymology: Latin, literally, from the former 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