Word
empirical
Meanings
Based on observation, measurement, or experience instead of theory.
Supported by real-world data and experiments, especially in research.
Definition
Based on observation or experience rather than theory.
Empirical describes information or knowledge that comes from observing, measuring, or experimenting. It relies on evidence you can see or record, not just ideas or logical reasoning. In academics, empirical work usually means research that uses real data to support conclusions.
Examples
- The study provides empirical evidence that the program works.
- We need empirical data before changing the policy.
- Her conclusions are empirical, drawn from years of observation.
- The team ran empirical tests to compare the two designs.