posteriori

a posteriori

adverb poh-STEH-ryoh-ree Rare

Origin: Latin a posteriori, literally 'from the latter'

Usage Note

A posteriori (always used with the preposition a) means 'based on observed facts or experience' — the opposite of a priori. In Italian it functions as an adverbial phrase: giudicare a posteriori (to judge with hindsight). It is a learned Latinism used in philosophy, law, and journalism; the full phrase is typically written in roman (not italic) type in Italian texts.

Examples

"Giudicando a posteriori, la decisione fu sbagliata."

Natural Translation

Judging in hindsight, the decision was wrong.

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