experiment
As a noun: A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact. As a verb: To perform a scientific procedure, especially in a laboratory, to determine something.
Experiments are characterized by controlled conditions where one or more variables are manipulated to see their effect on others, allowing for cause-and-effect relationships to be established.
Word relationships
- test: Test is a broader term; an experiment is a specific type of scientific test designed to investigate a hypothesis.
- trial: Trial can refer to a single attempt or a series of tests; experiment implies a more formal scientific procedure.
- investigation: Investigation is a general inquiry; an experiment is a specific method of investigation.
- speculation: Guessing without testing.
- assumption: Taking something for granted without proof.
Word family
- experimental (adjective): Relating to or based on experiment.
- experimentation (noun): The process of performing experiments.
- experimenter (noun): A person who conducts an experiment.
Collocations
- conduct an experiment
- design an experiment
- perform an experiment
- controlled experiment
- scientific experiment
Example sentences
- "The chemist designed a series of rigorous experiments to determine the optimal conditions for the reaction." Students often conduct simple experiments in science class.
- "Before launching the new product, the company decided to experiment with various marketing strategies to see which yielded the best results." It's important to experiment with different approaches to find the best solution.
Memory hook
Think of an 'EX-PERT' scientist performing a 'MENTAL' (experiment) trial to solve a puzzle. EX-PERT-MENT: A scientific trial.
When not to use
While 'experiment' can be used informally (e.g., 'I'm experimenting with a new recipe'), in a scientific context, it implies a structured, systematic investigation with controls and measurements.
Fun facts
- The first recorded scientific experiments date back to ancient civilizations, though the formal 'scientific method' developed much later.
Related words
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