What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
empirical
Example
The scientist used empirical evidence to support her theory. [empirical: adjective]
Example
Empirically speaking, the results of the study were inconclusive. [empirically: adverb]
observational
Example
The naturalist made many observational notes about the behavior of the animals in the forest. [observational: adjective]
Example
The researchers conducted an observational study to determine the effects of social media on mental health. [observational: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empirical is more commonly used than observational in scientific contexts, especially in the natural sciences. However, observational is still a widely used term in research, particularly in social sciences and psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between empirical and observational?
Both empirical and observational are formal terms commonly used in academic and scientific contexts. However, empirical may be considered slightly more formal due to its association with scientific experimentation and data analysis.
