empirical

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'empirical' is a correct and usable term in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is based on direct observation or experience, rather than on theory or pure logic. For example, "The empirical evidence suggested that the new drug was successful in treating the condition."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

We need more empirical evidence on this, but that will only come when we trial the policy.

The Guardian - Opinion

Emotional rebellion became empirical rebellion, when a book project forced him from the "echo chamber" of Earth First!

The Guardian

So how to reconcile the anecdotal evidence with the empirical science?

The Guardian - Lifestyle

And while common sense suggests the support of a newspaper read by millions must make a difference, we have no truck with anything other than empirical data here at the Datablog.

The Guardian

"We never publish something unless it is based on empirical analysis," Johnson says, adding that the IFS sees itself as a research organisation rather than a thinktank.

The Guardian

To my mind, ministers protest too much against the publication of the empirical observations of the clergy.

The Guardian - Business

Based on this empirical evidence, the publicists subjected McCarthy's image to a digital diet: smoothing the folds and cutting the double chin.

The Guardian - Arts

Such is the uneasy symbiosis of every political movement with its own fringe.Still, if this comparison effect has anything like the magnitude in other contexts that Mr Ariely found with his students, this is obviously a potentially fruitful empirical programme.

The Economist

If this were so, then Mr Postma's result would have little to do with good looks, but could be explained by another important factor: doping.Jochen Kluve Professor of empirical labour economics Humboldt University of BerlinSIR — Surely the better explanation is aerodynamics.

The Economist

IN 1978 Michael Jensen, an American economist, boldly declared that "there is no other proposition in economics which has more solid empirical evidence supporting it than the efficient-markets hypothesis" (EMH).

The Economist

But is that so?  Mr Clinton came into office knowing that he wanted to raise taxes, Mr Bush to cut them, and though both sides claimed they were doing it For the Good of The Economy, it seems to me that both were rather more related to the candidate's ideas about distributional justice and property rights than they were to some identifiable empirical need in the economy.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empirical", ensure that you can clearly identify the observations or experiments on which your claims are based. Be specific about the source of your evidence.

Common error

Don't use "empirical" to describe something that is based on a theory or model. "Empirical" data comes from direct observation or experimentation, not from abstract reasoning.

Linguistic Context

The word "empirical" functions primarily as an adjective. It modifies nouns to indicate that something is based on observation, experience, or experimentation. This is supported by Ludwig AI, which classifies it as correct and usable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Formal & Business

30%

Science

30%

Less common in

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "empirical" signifies that something is based on observation, experience, or experimentation. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and widespread use, especially in news, business, and scientific contexts. When writing, ensure that your usage of "empirical" is supported by clearly identified sources of evidence to avoid confusion with theoretical concepts. Alternatives such as "evidence-based", "observational", and "experimental" can offer nuanced ways to convey similar meanings. Ludwig examples demonstrate how it is used in a variety of contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

evidence-based

Focuses on the foundation of evidence rather than the process of obtaining it.

observational

Highlights the act of observing as the basis for knowledge.

experimental

Emphasizes the use of experiments to gather data.

factual

Stresses the reliance on facts and objective information.

real-world

Highlights the connection to actual, practical situations.

practical

Focuses on the applicability and usefulness of the knowledge.

pragmatic

Emphasizes a practical and realistic approach.

hands-on

Highlights direct involvement and experience.

testable

Focuses on the ability to be verified through testing.

verifiable

Emphasizes the capability of being proven true.

FAQs

How can I use "empirical" in a sentence?

Use "empirical" to describe something based on observation or experience. For example, "The study provides "empirical evidence" supporting the theory."

What is a synonym for "empirical"?

Synonyms for "empirical" include "evidence-based", "observational", and "experimental". Choose the synonym that best fits the context.

What is the difference between "empirical" and "anecdotal" evidence?

"Empirical" evidence is based on systematic observation and experimentation, while "anecdotal" evidence is based on personal stories or experiences, which may not be representative or reliable.

Is "empirical" the same as "scientific"?

While "empirical" evidence is often used in science, not all scientific inquiry is purely empirical. Science can also involve theoretical models and reasoning, in addition to observation and experimentation.