a fortiori

/'ei,fɔ:ti'ɔ:rai/
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a fortiori

If you are wrong then, a fortiori, so am I.

Definition
  1. Adverb:
    • With greater reason; for a still stronger, more certain reason: Used to indicate that a conclusion follows even more logically or convincingly from a premise than a previous conclusion does. It is a logical term meaning "from the stronger [argument]."
Usage
  • The term a fortiori is used in formal, logical, or legal arguments to strengthen a point. It introduces a statement that is considered even more certain or true than one just accepted.
  • It is typically placed at the beginning of a clause or sentence.
Examples
  • Adverb:
    • If a law is unconstitutional for a state government, then, a fortiori, it is unconstitutional for a federal agency to enforce it.
    • He cannot be trusted with simple tasks; a fortiori, he should not be given a position of major responsibility.
    • The reference example: "If you are wrong then, a fortiori, so am I."
Advanced Usage
  • In Legal Reasoning: The principle is frequently used in judicial opinions to argue that if a rule applies in a less obvious case, it must apply with even greater force in a more obvious one.
    • If entering a home without a warrant is prohibited, then a fortiori, secretly installing a camera inside it is also prohibited.
  • In Philosophical or Logical Discourse: Used to draw a comparative, strengthened inference.
    • If it is wrong to cause suffering to humans, then it is, a fortiori, wrong to cause greater suffering.
Variants and Related Words
  • A priori (Adverb/Adjective): Refers to reasoning or knowledge that is independent of experience (deduced from theory rather than observation). While both are Latin logical terms, they have distinct meanings.
  • Logical inference: The process of reaching a conclusion based on evidence and reasoning.
Synonyms
  • All the more so
  • With even stronger reason
  • By stronger argument
Notes
  • A fortiori is a Latin phrase adopted into English. It is used almost exclusively in formal, academic, or legal writing and speech.
  • There are no direct phrasal verbs or idioms derived from this specific term, as it is itself a fixed logical idiom.
a fortiori

If you are wrong then, a fortiori, so am I.

Adverb
  1. with greater reason; for a still stronger, more certain reason
    • if you are wrong then, a fortiori, so am I