a posteriori

A posteriori is used to describe knowledge gained from experience or actual observation. It is a Latin phrase that means "from what is later.” This is generally used to mean after the facts.

For example, someone would have a posteriori knowledge that it is snowing after physically going outside to check the weather.

A posteriori is the opposite of a priori, or an assertion made independently of observation or experience.

[Last reviewed in November of 2024 by the Wex Definitions Team]

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