experiment

/ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/
nounIntermediate
formal

a test or procedure carried out to discover something unknown or to test a hypothesis

The students designed an experiment to measure the effect of sunlight on plant growth.

They created a controlled test to observe how sunlight affects plant development.

The company ran an experiment to see if the new marketing strategy increased sales.

They conducted a trial to determine if the new approach improved revenue.

💡

Often involves controlled conditions to ensure accurate results.

informal

an activity or situation that is new and uncertain, often involving risk

Starting a business is an experiment in itself.

It's a risky and uncertain endeavor with no guaranteed outcome.

💡

Used metaphorically to describe trying something new without a clear outcome.

Collocations

conduct an experimentto perform a test or trialscientific experimenta test done in a scientific settingcontrol experimenta test used for comparison to ensure accuracy

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

experiment withphrasal verb
to try something new
experiment onphrasal verb
to test something or someone

💡Pro Tip

Scientific vs. Informal Use

The word can refer to a formal scientific test or a casual attempt at something new.

Gold Rule

Controlled Conditions

In science, experiments often require controlled conditions to ensure accurate results.

📖Word Origin

From Latin 'experimentum', meaning 'a test, trial, or proof'.

📝Usage Notes

Can refer to a formal scientific test or an informal attempt at something new.

Word Breakdown

ex-
out of
prefix
+
-per-
try
root
+
-iment
result of an action
suffix
English Dictionary