What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
epistemic
Example
The philosopher's argument was based on epistemic reasoning. [epistemic: adjective]
Example
Epistemic certainty requires evidence and justification. [epistemic: noun]
empirical
Example
The scientist conducted an empirical study to test the hypothesis. [empirical: adjective]
Example
Empirical data shows a correlation between smoking and lung cancer. [empirical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empirical is more commonly used than epistemic in everyday language, especially in scientific and academic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between epistemic and empirical?
Epistemic is more formal than empirical, and is typically used in academic or philosophical writing.
