Empirical: meaning, pronunciation and examples
Empirical adjective. Based on observation, measurement or experience rather than on theory alone.
How to say it
em-PIRR-ih-kul/ɛmˈpɪrɪk(ə)l/
4 syllables, stressed on the second (PIRR). Forms: empirically.
Empirical in a sentence
There’s plenty of opinion about the four-day week but not much empirical evidence yet.
They settled the argument empirically: both of them timed the two routes for a month.
Similar and opposite
Similar:
- observed
- experimental
- evidence-based
Opposite:
- theoretical
- speculative
Where empirical comes from
From Greek empeirikos, experienced, from peira, a trial or attempt.
Test yourself
Which word fills the gap?
They settled the argument _____: both of them timed the two routes for a month.
- latent
- empirical
- isomorphic
Show the answer
empirical: They settled the argument empirically: both of them timed the two routes for a month.