Definition

Adverb: - From the beginning: This Latin term, used in formal and legal English, means "from the start" or "from the very first point." It indicates that something is considered valid, applicable, or true from its inception or origin.

Usage

The term ab initio is used in formal writing, particularly in legal, academic, and technical contexts, to specify that a principle, condition, or status applies from the very start of a process, agreement, or existence. - It is typically placed at the beginning or end of a clause for emphasis. - It is often written in italics to indicate its status as a foreign phrase.

Examples

• The contract was declared void due to fraudulent misrepresentation.
• Her title to the property was valid .
• The law applies , meaning all past actions must be re-evaluated.

Advanced Usage

• Legal Principle: In law, a contract or marriage that is void is treated as if it never legally existed.
  • The court ruled the agreement was null and void ab initio.
• Academic/Technical Use: Used in philosophy, science, and mathematics to describe reasoning or conditions that are foundational.
  • The theory must be considered ab initio, without any prior assumptions.

Variants and Related Words

• Ex nihilo: (Latin) Out of nothing; from scratch. While related, emphasizes creation from nothing, whereas emphasizes the starting point in time.
• De novo: (Latin) Anew; starting over. implies a fresh start, while refers to the original, uninterrupted beginning.

Synonyms

• From the outset
• From the start
• From the beginning
• Initially (less formal)

Antonyms

• Ultimately
• Finally
• In conclusion
• Ex post facto (Latin: after the fact)

Related Phrases

• Ab initio calculation: (Scientific context) A calculation that starts from fundamental principles without using empirical data.
  • They performed an ab initio calculation of the molecule's energy.
• Ab initio language course: A course designed for absolute beginners, starting from the most basic elements.
  • She signed up for an ab initio Spanish class.

Adverb

1. at the beginning
   • at first he didn't notice anything strange