US /ˌɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/ UK /ɪmˈpɪɹɪkəl/
adj noun Freq #30528

Meanings

  1. 1
    adj

    Based on observation, experiment, or real experience rather than on theory.

    There is little empirical evidence to support his claim.

  2. 2
    adj

    Able to be tested or proved by experiment.

    Scientists prefer conclusions that rest on empirical data.

Thesaurus

Synonyms
1 adj · based on observation,... empiric
Opposites
Word family
Derived forms antiempiricalempiricalizeempiricallyempiricalnessequiempiricalhyperempiricalnonempiricalpsychoempiricalsemiempiricalsuperempiricalultraempiricalunempirical
Related forms empiricismempiricist

Etymology

From empiric + -al.

View etymology graph ->

Topics

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