empirically

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "empirically" is correct and usable in written English.
It is an adverb and means "based on observed facts or experience rather than theory or pure logic." For example: The research was empirically proven to be accurate.

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

(3) If the principle is indeed required, as Kant suggests it is, for the empirical conceptualization of nature and for the recognition of nature as empirically lawlike, then it would seem to be a condition of the possibility of experience.

SEP

These are non-terminating judgements of value and are empirically confirmable or disconfirmable by induction just like any other objective empirical judgement.

SEP

So secularism also means the scientific freedom to question why the world is the way it is and to search for empirically testable and reproducible scientific truths that help me make sense of the universe and my place in it without any of the constraints of religious teaching.

The Guardian - Opinion

The concrete benefits of these programs, which are empirically verifiable, should trump abstract theoretical objections.But there aren't any "anti-paternalist" objections to making organ donation the default or featuring healthy food in cafeterias, because these ideas have nothing to do with paternalism.I mean, what could organ donation possibly have to do with paternalism?

The Economist

Mr Brooks then calls this debate for the "libertarian paternalists":[T]he anti-paternalists win the debate in theory but the libertarian paternalists win it empirically.

The Economist

In that case, there can be no debate between the "libertarian paternalist" and the anti-paternalist, and one side cannot win it "in theory", while the other side comes out ahead "empirically".

The Economist

While I think there are good regulatory ideas out there, I'm increasingly of the opinion that if the bill that passes ends up being an effective change to the regulatory environment, it will mainly be by accident.I've also found myself thinking that if financial sector growth is so good for the real economy it ought to be easier for its defenders to demonstrate this empirically.

The Economist

It's intensely frustrating that we have a political system in which empirically effective initiatives are dragged, as a matter of course, into these ignorant, corrosive pre-fab scripts, and detonated for partisan advantage.

The Economist

Empirically, the huge increase in abortions has not accompanied an increase in the neglect or abuse of children.

The Economist

It's easy enough to show that gay marriage does not empirically lead to pressure to legalise polygamy; that hasn't happened anywhere that gay marriage is legal.

The Economist

The authors explain that this odd-seeming finding is consistent with a plausible theory set out and defended empirically elsewhere**.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "empirically", ensure that your statement is genuinely supported by observable evidence or practical experience, not just theoretical assumptions.

Common error

Avoid presenting isolated personal experiences as "empirical" proof. Empirical evidence requires systematic observation and data collection, not just individual cases.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "empirically" functions to modify verbs or adjectives, indicating that a statement or claim is based on observation or experience. It stresses that the information is derived from real-world data, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

53%

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

2%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "empirically" is a well-established term primarily used to emphasize that a statement is based on real-world observation and practical experience, rather than theory alone. According to Ludwig AI, the term is grammatically correct and usable in written English. As demonstrated by Ludwig's examples, it's most commonly found in scientific and news contexts, lending credibility to claims by highlighting their evidence-based nature. Remember to use "empirically" when you want to stress that something is supported by tangible evidence, avoiding reliance on anecdotal or purely theoretical reasoning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

by practical experience

Highlights the role of hands-on experience in gaining knowledge, aligning closely with one aspect of "empirically".

evidence-based

Highlights the reliance on concrete evidence to support a claim, differing in emphasis from the experiential nature of "empirically".

from real-world data

Highlights the source of the evidence as originating from actual occurrences, relating to the practical aspect of "empirically".

data-driven

Stresses the reliance on data analysis, differing from "empirically" by focusing specifically on numerical or statistical information.

based on tangible evidence

Underscores the use of touchable, concrete evidence, contrasting with the potential for intangible empirical data.

based on observation

Focuses on the act of observing as the primary source of evidence, differing from "empirically" which implies broader experiential data.

through observation

Emphasizes the process of gaining knowledge via direct observation, a component of empirical methodology.

factually supported

Implies validation through established facts, differing from "empirically" by emphasizing pre-existing knowledge.

experimentally proven

Specifically refers to verification through experimentation, making it a subset of "empirically" which includes other forms of experience.

in practice

Highlights real-world application and outcomes, aligning with the practical aspect of empirical evaluation.

FAQs

How is "empirically" used in a sentence?

You can use "empirically" to describe something that is based on observation or experience. For example, "The study "empirically demonstrated" a link between exercise and reduced stress."

What's the difference between "empirically" and "theoretically"?

"Empirically" refers to evidence obtained through observation or experiment, while "theoretically" relates to what is based on or consistent with a theory. Something proven "empirically" has been observed in practice, whereas something "theoretically" is expected to be true based on a set of principles.

What can I say instead of "empirically"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "evidence-based", "observationally", or "experimentally".

Can something be both "empirically" true and "theoretically" false?

Yes, it's possible. A result might be observed in practice ("empirically true") but not be explained or supported by current "theoretical frameworks". This often prompts scientists to revise their theories.