Langimage
English

empirical

|em/pi/ri/cal|

C1

/ɪmˈpɪrɪkəl/

based on experience

Etymology
Etymology Information

'empirical' originates from the Greek word 'empeirikos', where 'empeiria' meant 'experience'.

Historical Evolution

'empeirikos' transformed into the Latin word 'empiricus', and eventually became the modern English word 'empirical'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'pertaining to experience', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'based on observation or experience'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.

The scientist relied on empirical data to support her hypothesis.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45