empirical
/ɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/adjective★Intermediate
formal
Based on or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
The empirical approach to studying human behavior involves collecting data through surveys and experiments.
This approach involves collecting data to understand human behavior.
💡
Often used in scientific research to emphasize the importance of data.
Collocations
empirical evidencedata and observation used to support a theoryempirical researchresearch based on observation and experience
Synonyms
Antonyms
💡Pro Tip
Usage Tip
Use 'empirical' to describe research or evidence that is based on observation or experience.
📖Word Origin
From Greek ἐμπειρικός (empeirikos), from ἐμπειρία (empeiria), meaning 'experience'.
📝Usage Notes
Commonly used in academic and scientific contexts to emphasize the reliance on data.
Word Breakdown
empir-
experience
root-ical
relating to
suffixEnglish Dictionary