empirical
Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
It emphasizes evidence derived from direct observation or experimentation, forming the bedrock of scientific inquiry.
Word relationships
- experimental: Based on or derived from experiment rather than theory.
- observational: Based on or involving observation.
- experiential: Based on or derived from experience.
- theoretical: Based on or concerned with theory rather than practical application.
- hypothetical: Of, based on, or serving as a hypothesis.
- speculative: Based on conjecture rather than knowledge.
Word family
- empiricism (noun): the theory that all knowledge is derived from sense-experience
- empirically (adverb): by means of observation or experience
Collocations
- empirical evidence
- empirical data
- empirical study
- empirical research
- empirical findings
Example sentences
- "The claim required strong empirical evidence, not just anecdotal stories, to be accepted by the scientific community." A scientist discussing the nature of evidence.
- "Her dissertation involved extensive empirical research, collecting data through surveys and field observations." Describing a type of research.
Memory hook
EMPERORS often relied on 'EMPIRICAL' (experienced) advisors, not just theorists. Experience Based
When not to use
Do not use 'empirical' to describe something based on speculation, intuition, or purely theoretical reasoning. It specifically refers to evidence gathered through senses or systematic data collection.
Fun facts
- The term 'empiric' was originally used for a school of ancient Greek physicians who based their practice on observation rather than philosophical theory.
Related words
Explore more words
metaphysical, sensory, clinical, observation, a priori, scientist
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