What are the differences in meaning and usage between posteriori and posterior?
Particularly in probability, statistics and logic, when should I use which?
For example, why are "max a posteriori" and "posterior distributions"?
Learn English – posteriori and posterior
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Best Answer
A posteriori is something "relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge that proceeds from observations or experiences to the deduction of probable causes."
It constrasts with a priori that is, instead, something "relating to or denoting reasoning or knowledge that proceeds from theoretical deduction rather than from observation or experience."
The first expressions that you asked for, then, is used when you assert or state something after having observed the subject of the matter. You can read more about these two terms in their wikipedia page.
Posterior means the back part of a body, or something coming after.
Note: The emphasized parts are taken from the NOAD.