What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
heuristic
Example
The teacher used a heuristic approach to help the students understand the concept. [heuristic: adjective]
Example
The scientist used a heuristic method to test the hypothesis. [heuristic: noun]
empirical
Example
The study was based on empirical data collected from surveys. [empirical: adjective]
Example
The researcher used an empirical approach to test the hypothesis. [empirical: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Empirical is more commonly used than heuristic in scientific or academic contexts. Empirical is a standard method used in research to produce reliable and valid results, while heuristic is more commonly used in fields such as art, design, and psychology.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between heuristic and empirical?
Empirical is a more formal term than heuristic. It is mainly used in scientific or academic contexts, while heuristic can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
