empirical Definition
- 1based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
- 2depending on experience or observation alone, without using scientific method or theory, especially as in medicine
Using empirical: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "empirical" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The study is based on empirical evidence gathered from experiments.
Example
The company's decision was not based on empirical data.
Example
Empirical research has shown that exercise can improve mental health.
Example
The doctor made an empirical diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms.
empirical Synonyms and Antonyms
Synonyms for empirical
Antonyms for empirical
Phrases with empirical
Example
The empirical formula of glucose is CH2O.
a statistical rule stating that for a normal distribution, nearly all data will fall within three standard deviations of the mean
Example
The empirical rule can be used to estimate the percentage of data within a certain range.
research that is based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
Example
Empirical research has shown that meditation can reduce stress levels.
Origins of empirical
from Greek 'empeirikos', meaning 'experienced'
Summary: empirical in Brief
The term 'empirical' [ɪmˈpɪrɪkl] refers to knowledge or evidence that is based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. It is often used in scientific contexts, such as 'The study is based on empirical evidence gathered from experiments.' Empirical can also refer to practical applications, as in 'The doctor made an empirical diagnosis based on the patient's symptoms.' Other uses include 'empirical formula,' which shows the simplest ratio of elements in a compound, and 'empirical research,' which is based on observation or experience.