Word
anecdotal
Phoneticsanec·do·tal
US/ˌænəkˈdoʊtəɫ/
UK/ˈænɪkdˌəʊtəl/
Definitions
01not scientifically proven
C1 · Advanced Science Academic
adj. describes information based on personal stories or individual examples rather than hard facts or scientific research.
adj. referring to evidence based on personal accounts or isolated incidents rather than rigorous, systematic investigation or statistical analysis.
“There is anecdotal evidence that the new herb helps sleep, but no scientific studies prove it yet.”
“While the anecdotal reports from patients were encouraging, the clinical trial failed to demonstrate a statistically significant benefit over the placebo.”
Usage
Frequently collocates with 'evidence', 'reports', or 'accounts'.
Teaching tip
In academic writing, this word often carries a slightly negative tone, suggesting that the information might not be reliable.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02full of stories
C1 · Advanced Formal
adj. describes a style of speaking or writing that uses a lot of short, interesting stories about real people.
adj. characterised by or containing a high frequency of anecdotes; relating to the narrative style of an anecdote.
“The professor gave an anecdotal talk about his years working in the jungle.”
“The biography was highly anecdotal, focusing more on charming personal stories than on a rigorous analysis of the subject's political legacy.”
Usage
Can be used to describe a person's style or a specific piece of writing.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“There are anecdotal reports of women who, after being prescribed Allegra or Pepcid for hives or reflux, noticed improvements in their hot flashes.” “A human financial adviser would immediately flag these areas for consideration: a modest income, children, a high-risk investment and anecdotal advice from the cousin.” Etymology
From anecdote + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
NOUN
ADJECTIVE
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/anecdotal