ab-initio
IPA
Definition of 'ab-initio'
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.
Examples of 'ab-initio' in a Sentence
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.
Origins & 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.
Synonyms

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