Meaning & Definition of word "Empirical"

Empirical

/ɪmˈpɪrɪkəl/

adjective:

  • 1. Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
    • Example: The scientist conducted empirical research to support her hypothesis.
  • 2. Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory.
    • Example: His empirical approach helped him to identify patterns in the data.
  • 3. Relating to knowledge that comes from experience or experiments.
    • Example: The empirical evidence gathered from the field study was compelling.
  • 4. Involving or based on practical experience, especially as opposed to theoretical knowledge.
    • Example: An empirical understanding of human behavior is essential for effective coaching.

Etymology

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

Common Phrases and Expressions

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.

Related Words

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.

Slang Meanings of empirical