EMPIRICAL

Pronunciation (US):

(GB):

IPA (US):

 Dictionary entry overview: What does empirical mean? 

• EMPIRICAL (adjective)
  The adjective EMPIRICAL has 2 senses:

1. derived from experiment and observation rather than theory

2. relying on medical quackery

  Familiarity information: EMPIRICAL used as an adjective is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• EMPIRICAL (adjective)

Sense 1

Meaning:

Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory

Synonyms:

empiric; empirical

Context example:

an empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known

Similar:

a posteriori (requiring evidence for validation or support)

confirmable; falsifiable; verifiable (capable of being tested (verified or falsified) by experiment or observation)

existential; experiential (derived from experience or the experience of existence)

data-based; experimental; observational (relying on observation or experiment)

experimental (of the nature of or undergoing an experiment)

semiempirical (relying to some extent on observation or experiment)

trial-and-error (trying out various means or theories until error is satisfactorily reduced or eliminated)

Antonym:

theoretical (concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations)

Derivation:

empiricism (the application of empirical methods in any art or science)

Sense 2

Meaning:

Relying on medical quackery

Classified under:

Relational adjectives (pertainyms)

Synonyms:

empiric; empirical

Context example:

empiric treatment

Domain usage:

archaicism; archaism (the use of an archaic expression)

Pertainym:

quackery (medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings)

Derivation:

empiricism (medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings)

 Context examples 

Empirical evidence supporting these simulations has been limited, unfortunately, which makes this new work rather exciting.

(Our Sun Could Have Been Born With an Evil Twin Called "Nemesis", The Titi Tudorancea Bulletin)

The study of the structure and dynamics of computational systems using mathematical, logical, and empirical tools.

(Computer Sciences, NCI Thesaurus)

Colleagues from the University of Granada, Universidad Autónoma de Madrid, IMDEA Food Institute, CIBER in Epidemiology and Public Health and Northeastern provide the first empirical evidence about the impact of physical activity on mortality in cognitively frail individuals.

(Engaging in physical activity could reduce long-term mortality, University of Granada)