Word
experimental
Meanings
involving scientific tests or trials to discover results or prove an idea
new, not yet proven, and being tried to see whether it works
using unusual or innovative techniques, especially in art, music, or film
Definition
Based on testing and observation rather than accepted practice or theory.
Experimental describes something that is tried out to see what happens, often in a careful, planned way. It can refer to research methods that test ideas through controlled conditions and measurement. It can also describe new designs or approaches that are not yet proven and may change after evaluation.
Examples
- I’m cautious about the experimental treatment until the team publishes clearer results.
- You can hear how experimental the album is in its shifting rhythms and unexpected silences.
- He proposed an experimental design that isolates one variable at a time to reduce confounding factors.
- She joined an experimental theatre group that reworked classic scenes through improvisation.
- They built an experimental prototype and iterated rapidly after stress-testing it in realistic conditions.
Common mistake
Learners often confuse experimental (being tested or unproven) with experienced (having a lot of practice).
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.