Word
empirical
Phoneticsem·pir·i·cal, stress on the second syllable
US/ˌɛmˈpɪɹɪkəɫ/
UK/ɛmpˈɪɹɪkəl/
Definitions
01based on observation
C1 · Advanced Science Academic
adj. describes information or knowledge that comes from watching or testing things in the real world.
adj. derived from or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
“The scientists collected empirical evidence to prove that the new medicine worked.”
“The researcher insisted on gathering empirical data through field observations rather than relying solely on the mathematical models proposed by his colleagues.”
Usage
Often modifies nouns like 'evidence', 'data', 'research', or 'study'.
Teaching tip
In academic writing, this is the opposite of 'theoretical'. It implies that the proof can be seen or measured.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02an observed result
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Science Academic · Technical
n. a fact or measurement that was found through real-world testing.
n. a measurement, finding, or result achieved through empirical methods.
“The study lists several physical empiricals that support the conclusion.”
“While the theory was elegant, it lacked the necessary empiricals to satisfy the rigorous standards of the peer-review committee.”
Usage
Rarely used as a noun in general English; primarily found in technical scientific literature.
Teaching tip
Students should be aware that the noun form is very rare; they should almost always use the adjective form.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “empirical” in context.
Adjective
01. empirical analysis
“The researcher conducted an empirical analysis of the market trends over the last decade.”
adj + noun
02. empirical approach
“We need to adopt an empirical approach to solve this problem rather than relying on intuition.”
adj + noun
03. empirical basis
“There is no sound empirical basis for the claims made in the advertisement.”
adj + noun
04. empirical data
“The scientists collected empirical data to support their hypothesis about global warming.”
adj + noun
05. empirical evidence
“The theory is widely accepted because it is backed by strong empirical evidence.”
adj + noun
06. empirical finding
“Each empirical finding in the report suggests that the new drug is effective.”
adj + noun
07. empirical method
“The empirical method is fundamental to modern scientific inquiry and experimentation.”
adj + noun
08. empirical observation
“His conclusions were based on direct empirical observation of the birds' behavior.”
adj + noun
09. empirical question
“Whether the policy actually reduces poverty is an empirical question that requires study.”
adj + noun
10. empirical research
“Extensive empirical research has been carried out to investigate the causes of the disease.”
adj + noun
11. empirical result
“The empirical result of the experiment contradicted the initial theoretical predictions.”
adj + noun
12. empirical study
“A recent empirical study shows a clear link between exercise and mental health.”
adj + noun
Real-World Examples
“Despite its importance, however, the hypothesis had rarely been evaluated using large empirical datasets spanning a broad range of insects.” “While it seems obvious that personality influences whether you become friends with someone , there is almost no empirical research on the topic.” Etymology
From empiric + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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 C1.945–990EikenEikenTest in Practical English ProficiencyThe English proficiency test from the Eiken Foundation of Japan, widely taken by Japanese students. Grades run from 5 to 1, with Pre-1 and Pre-2 between them.Grade 1
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
QR code
englishreference.com/q/empirical