Pronunciation: [ah pree uh ree]
Meaning: at first glance, in principle
Literal translation: from the earlier
Register: normal
Notes: While the Latin phrase a priori is used in English in certain domains such as philosophy and statistics, in French it's part of everyday language. Normally, a priori means "at first glance, in principle, upon initial consideration," but it can also be equivalent to "should," as in example 2, meaning that if things go as expected, xyz should happen. And in example 3, a priori indicates that a refusal was made without any consideration of a request or suggestion.
Examples
1) A priori, c'est une bonne idée.
At first glance, it's a good idea. In principle, it seems like a good idea.
2) A priori, je serai libre vers 15h00.
I should be free around 3pm, I expect to be free around 3pm.
3) Il a refusé a priori.
He refused out of hand / point-blank (without even considering it).
Synonyms
- au début - at first, in the beginning; au premier abord - at first sight, initially; à première vue - at first sight
- devoir in the conditional - should; normalement - normally, if all goes as expected
- catégoriquement - point-blank, categorically; tout net - point-blank
Il faut aborder cette question sans a priori.
You have to approach this issue without prejudice / with an open mind.
Elle a des a priori envers / contre....
She is biased toward / against....
Synonym: un préjugé
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Most common French phrases
