| Library / English Dictionary |
EMPIRICAL
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I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Derived from experiment and observation rather than theory
Example:
an empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known
Synonyms:
empiric; empirical
Classified under:
Similar:
a posteriori (requiring evidence for validation or support)
confirmable; falsifiable; verifiable (capable of being tested (verified or falsified) by experiment or observation)
existential; experiential (derived from experience or the experience of existence)
data-based; experimental; observational (relying on observation or experiment)
experimental (of the nature of or undergoing an experiment)
semiempirical (relying to some extent on observation or experiment)
trial-and-error (trying out various means or theories until error is satisfactorily reduced or eliminated)
Antonym:
theoretical (concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations)
Derivation:
empiricism (the application of empirical methods in any art or science)
Sense 2
Meaning:
Relying on medical quackery
Example:
empiric treatment
Synonyms:
empiric; empirical
Classified under:
Relational adjectives (pertainyms)
Domain usage:
archaicism; archaism (the use of an archaic expression)
Pertainym:
quackery (medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings)
Derivation:
empiricism (medical practice and advice based on observation and experience in ignorance of scientific findings)
