ab-initio

Ab-initio (adverb) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology

IPA:

What does ab-initio mean?

To start or consider something from its very inception or earliest point.
"The designer approached the project ab initio with a new design concept."

Detailed Meaning of Ab-initio

Latin for "from the start", it is often used to indicate that something is being done or considered from the beginning or starting point, rather than being based on previous work or knowledge.

In the field of science and technology, ab initio refers to a method or calculation that starts from the basic principles or laws of nature, rather than from experimental data or observations.

In the field of education, ab initio refers to learning something from scratch, without any prior knowledge or experience.

In the legal context, ab initio refers to the fact that a court order or a legal contract is invalid from the start.

In general, Ab initio refers to something that is being done or considered from the beginning or starting point, rather than being based on previous work or knowledge, whether it's in the field of science, education, legal or any other context, it implies that something is being built or established from scratch, without any prior knowledge or experience.

Example Sentences for Ab-initio

1. They decided to start the project ab initio due to the amount of errors in the original work.
2. The language course was designed ab initio, focusing on absolute beginners.
3. The legal proceedings had to be conducted ab initio after the discovery of new evidence.
4. To master the new programming language, he began studying it ab initio.
5. The architect preferred to create his designs ab initio, without any preconceived ideas.
6. The entire process was flawed, so they had to begin ab initio.

Origin and Etymology of Ab-initio

The adverb 'ab initio' has its etymology deeply rooted in Latin. It is a Latin phrase that translates to 'from the beginning' or 'from the outset.' In this phrase, 'ab' means 'from' or 'away from,' and 'initio' is derived from 'initium,' meaning 'beginning' or 'commencement.' The etymology of 'ab initio' perfectly mirrors its meaning, emphasizing the idea of starting or considering something from its very inception or earliest point. This Latin phrase is often used in legal and academic contexts to signify that a process, argument, or analysis begins with the fundamental starting point, leaving no room for ambiguity about when the examination or consideration begins.

Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding

Find the correct meaning of the adverb ab-initio:

end

finale

conclusion

from-the-beginning

Try Again!

Correct!

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More Usage Examples of Ab-initio

1. He decided to learn the piano ab initio and refused to use any shortcuts.
2. The development of the new software was done ab initio to ensure its uniqueness.
3. To understand the concept thoroughly, she started reading the book ab initio.
4. We planned the trip ab initio, making sure that every detail was carefully thought out.
5. The researchers carried out the experiment ab initio when the previous results were invalidated.
6. The team decided to approach the problem ab initio rather than relying on outdated solutions.
7. To grasp the fundamentals of physics, it was necessary to study the subject ab initio.
8. She decided to learn baking ab initio by attending a culinary school.
9. The process had to be restructured ab initio to meet the new standards.
10. When I started learning Spanish, I had to begin ab initio since I knew absolutely nothing about the language.
11. The company's business model was built ab initio, making it innovative and distinct from its competitors.
12. In mathematics, it's often best to learn concepts ab initio for a comprehensive understanding.
13. The movie script was rewritten ab initio to fit the director's unique vision.
14. Ab initio, the painter decided to take a different approach for his latest piece, experimenting with new techniques.
15. The project was planned ab initio to ensure its success.
16. The company's strategy was to focus on innovation ab initio.
17. The lawyer approached the case ab initio with a unique perspective.
18. The team decided to work together ab initio to achieve their common goal.
19. The researcher started the study ab initio with a thorough review of the literature.
20. The scientist approached the experiment ab initio with a hypothesis in mind.
21. The teacher taught the subject ab initio with the basics.
22. The architect designed the building ab initio with sustainability in mind.
23. The chef approached the recipe ab initio with the freshest ingredients.
24. The developer approached the coding challenge ab initio with a new algorithm.
25. The analyst approached the data ab initio with a critical eye for detail.