a fortiori
adverb
a for·ti·o·ri
ˌā-ˌfȯr-shē-ˈȯr-ˌī 
ˌä-ˌfȯr-shē-ˈȯr-ē
ˌä-ˌfȯr-shē-ˈȯr-ē
-ˌfȯr-tē-
: with greater reason or more convincing force
—used in drawing a conclusion that is inferred to be even more certain than another
the man of prejudice is, a fortiori, a man of limited mental vision
Did you know?
A fortiori in Latin literally means "from the stronger (argument)". The term is used when drawing a conclusion that's even more obvious or convincing than the one just drawn. Thus, if teaching English grammar to native speakers is difficult, then, a fortiori, teaching English grammar to nonnative speakers will be even more challenging.
Examples of a fortiori in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Not least Turkey and a fortiori Russia.
—
Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
That is the case even when charges against the person are being contemplated; a fortiori, there is no excuse for gratuitously embarrassing someone who is suspected of no wrongdoing.
—
James Freeman,
WSJ,
19 Apr. 2018
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Melik Kaylan,
Forbes.com,
22 Jan. 2026
That is the case even when charges against the person are being contemplated; a fortiori, there is no excuse for gratuitously embarrassing someone who is suspected of no wrongdoing.
—
James Freeman,
WSJ,
19 Apr. 2018
Cite this Entry
“A fortiori.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/a%20fortiori. Accessed 6 Jul. 2026.
Copy CitationLegal Definition
a fortiori
adverb
a for·ti·o·ri
ˌā-ˌfȯr-shē-ˈōr-ˌī, ˌä-ˌfȯr-shē-ˈōr-ē, -ˌfȯr-tē-
: all the more certainly : with greater reason : with still more convincing force
—used in drawing a conclusion that is thought to be even more certain than another
the evident purpose of the latter statute — to provide a distinct and more severe sentencing scheme for violent habitual offenders — plainly suggests that the Legislature intended it to apply, a fortiori, to murderers as well as to criminals who commit other violent, but less serious, felonies—People v. Jenkins, 893 P.2d 1224 (1995)
People v. Jenkins, 893 P.2d 1224 (1995)Etymology
New Latin, from the stronger (argument)
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