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A Fortiori for Dummies

pronunciation: ɑ_,foʊRtɪ'oʊRi

What does A Fortiori really mean?

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A Fortiori is a Latin phrase that is commonly used in legal and logical contexts. Now, let's break it down step by step in a way that makes it easy to understand. Imagine you have a favorite toy car, and you know that it can go pretty fast just by pushing it with your hand. If you were to bring out your big, powerful remote-controlled car, it's reasonable to say that it will go even faster than your favorite toy car, right? Well, that's the basic idea behind "A Fortiori" - it's a way to express that if something is already true or applies in a certain situation, then it becomes even more true or applies even more strongly in another situation that is even more extreme or intense.

To put it simply, "A Fortiori" means that if you have a fact or a rule that is true in one situation, it is certainly true in another situation that is similar or related, but more extreme or intense. It is like saying that if you can easily solve a simple math problem, then you can definitely solve a more complex math problem that builds upon the same principles. The term "A Fortiori" helps us recognize and strengthen our reasoning by applying what we already know to different situations.

In addition to this general understanding, "A Fortiori" can be used in a couple of different ways. One way is to make a conclusion that is stronger than what was already stated. For example, if it can be argued that eating five fruits a day is healthy, then a fortiori it can be said that eating ten fruits a day is even healthier.

Another way "A Fortiori" can be used is to establish a conclusion based on an even stronger premise. Imagine you are thinking about taking a trip to the beach. If you know that it is already hot outside, then a fortiori you can conclude that going to the beach will be even hotter because the beach is typically hotter than other places due to the sun and the sand reflecting the heat.

So, in summary, "A Fortiori" is a phrase that is used to express that if something is already true or applies in one situation, it becomes even more true or applies more strongly in another situation that is similar but more intense or extreme. It allows us to reason and make stronger conclusions based on what we already know.

Revised and Fact checked by William Taylor on 2023-10-27 22:33:59

A Fortiori In a sentece

Learn how to use A Fortiori inside a sentece

  • If you can swim in a calm pool, then a fortiori you can swim in a small bathtub.
  • If he can handle a small dog, a fortiori he can handle a tiny puppy.
  • If she can solve easy math problems, a fortiori she can solve simple addition questions.
  • If they can play basketball, a fortiori they can play a less intense game like tag.
  • If you can ride a bicycle, a fortiori you can ride a tricycle with training wheels.