experimental
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.relating to scientific tests or based on doing experiments.
adj.pertaining to, derived from, or founded on the use of controlled experiments to test a hypothesis.
Simple“The scientists are still in the experimental stage of the new drug trial.”
In context“The researchers published their experimental findings in a peer-reviewed journal, detailing the rigorous controls used during the double-blind study.”
UsageOften used to modify nouns like 'data', 'results', or 'phase'.
Synonymsempiricaltest basedAntonyms - 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.using new methods or ideas that have not been proven yet.
adj.serving as a trial or tentative procedure; not yet established or finalised.
Simple“The school is trying an experimental teaching method this year.”
In context“The government launched an experimental universal basic income programme in three small municipalities to observe its impact on local employment rates.”
Antonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.using very new or strange ideas in art, music, or writing.
adj.referring to avant-garde or innovative techniques that depart from traditional forms.
Simple“I found the experimental jazz concert a bit difficult to listen to.”
In context“The gallery specialises in experimental digital art that challenges the viewer's perception of physical space and time.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 04 C2 Proficiency
n.a person or thing that is being used in a scientific test.
n.the subject or entity undergoing an experiment.
Simple“The researcher monitored each experimental throughout the six-week study.”
In context“Ethical guidelines require that every experimental be fully informed of the potential risks before the clinical trial commences.”
UsageThis noun use is rare outside of specific technical or academic contexts; 'subject' is more common.
Synonyms
Usage experimental vaccine · concurrent experimental · merit experimental
“The songs of Spears are spliced with Swan Lake, and the show becomes less narrative and more experimental, which renders it abstract but also deepens its emotional power.”
“And yet what is the point of an experimental practice that is unwilling to take risks, or a maximalist novel that hesitates to cram in more ideas?”
From experiment + -al.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.