Empirical

/ɪmˈpɪɹɪkəl/ · adjective

Meaning

Pertaining to or based on experience, as opposed to theory..

Definitions by Sense

1. Pertaining to or based on experience, as opposed to theory.
2. Pertaining to, derived from, or testable by observations made using the physical senses or using instruments which extend the senses.
3. (philosophy of science) Verifiable by means of scientific experimentation.
4. A measurement or result achieved by empirical means.

Example Sentences

The lengths were calculated according to the empirical rules of the trade.

For some presumptive diagnoses, empirical antibiotic therapy begins immediately, whereas specific antibiotic therapy must await the results of the culture and sensitivity test.

The village carpenter […] lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.

demonstrable with empirical evidence

Synonyms for empirical

Antonyms for empirical

Related Words

Word Forms

• more empirical
• most empirical
• empiricals

Usage Notes

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