a priori vs. a posteriori

from a general law to a particular instance; valid independently of observation. Compare a posteriori ( def 1 ).

existing in the mind prior to and independent of experience, as a faculty or character trait. Compare a posteriori ( def 2 ).

not based on prior study or examination; nonanalytic:

from particular instances to a general principle or law; based upon actual observation or upon experimental data: Compare a priori ( def 1 ).

not existing in the mind prior to or independent of experience. Compare a priori ( def 2 ).