Empirical

/ɪmˈpɪrɪkəl/

Meaning & Definition

adjective

Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

The scientist conducted empirical research to support her hypothesis.

Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory.

His empirical approach helped him to identify patterns in the data.

Relating to knowledge that comes from experience or experiments.

The empirical evidence gathered from the field study was compelling.

Involving or based on practical experience, especially as opposed to theoretical knowledge.

An empirical understanding of human behavior is essential for effective coaching.

From the Greek word 'empeirikos', meaning 'experienced'.

empirical evidence

Evidence that is based on observation or experience.

empirical research

Research based on experimentation and observation.

empirical data

Data that is collected through observation or experimentation.

experiment

A scientific procedure undertaken to test a hypothesis.

observation

The action or process of observing something or someone carefully.

data

Facts and statistics collected for analysis.