empirical

Meanings

1. Based on observation or experiment rather than on theory. (technical, science)
2. Learned from experience.

Example sentences

• "The report offers empirical evidence that the drug works."

  Level C1, Meaning 1

• "We need empirical data, not opinions."

  Level C1, Meaning 1

• "Their conclusions rest on empirical research."

  Level C1, Meaning 1

• "It is an empirical question that experiments can answer."

  Level C2, Meaning 1

Synonyms and antonyms

Look-alikes and common mistakes

• theoretical : Theoretical means based on ideas and reasoning. Empirical means based on observation and testing.
• anecdotal : Anecdotal means based on a few personal stories. Empirical evidence is collected carefully and tested.

Word family and forms

Word partners

Words and phrases that often go with "empirical".

• empirical evidence
• empirical research
• empirical data
• an empirical study
• empirical results
• empirical test

Origin

Empirical is built from the older word empiric, which goes back to a Greek word meaning experienced. The idea of learning from experience has stayed at the heart of the word.

Checked against: Wiktionary, the free dictionary, Merriam-Webster Dictionary, Dictionary.com.

How to remember it

Think "try it and see": empirical knowledge comes from experience and tests, not from armchair ideas.

Test yourself

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