experimental
ek-sper-ih-MEN-tul
/ɪkˌsper.ɪˈmen.təl/
Based on untested ideas or techniques and not yet established or finalized.
In art, it suggests a process-oriented approach where the outcome is unknown and the artist is 'trying things out'.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Latin 'experiri,' meaning 'to try' or 'to put to the test.' It shares the same root as 'experience' and 'expert'—all relating to what we learn by doing.
Word relationships
- trial: Trial is more common in science or law; experimental is more common in art and research.
- tentative: Tentative implies a lack of confidence, while experimental implies a bold search for newness.
- proven: Proven methods have already been tested and shown to work.
- established: Established methods are widely accepted and standard.
Commonly confused with
- empirical: Empirical means based on observation/evidence; experimental means based on the act of testing.
Word family
- experiment (noun/verb): A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery.
- experimentation (noun): The action or process of trying out new ideas.
Collocations
- experimental phase
- experimental theater
- experimental design
Example sentences
- "The band's experimental album used found sounds like clinking glasses and bird calls instead of traditional instruments." Describing a new type of music.
- "James Joyce's 'Finnegans Wake' is perhaps the most famous experimental novel in the English language." Describing a literary technique.
Memory hook
Think of a 'mental' 'experiment'. You are using your mind to try something new. Testing the unknown.
When not to use
Don't use for things that are simply 'new' but follow a proven formula.
Fun facts
- The term 'experimental music' was popularized by John Cage, who famously composed a piece consisting of four minutes and thirty-three seconds of silence.
Related words
Explore more words
provisional, unconventional, experiment, empirical, innovate, transitory
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