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Synonyms

scientific

American  
[sahy-uhn-tif-ik] / ˌsaɪ ənˈtɪf ɪk /

adjective

  1. of or relating to science or the sciences.

    scientific studies.

  2. occupied or concerned with science.

    scientific experts.

  3. regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science.

    scientific procedures.

  4. systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.


scientific British  
/ ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk /

adjective

  1. (prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science

    scientific equipment

  2. (prenominal) occupied in science

    scientific manpower

  3. conforming with the principles or methods used in science

    a scientific approach

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Other Word Forms


Etymology

Origin of scientific

1580–90; < Medieval Latin scientificus, equivalent to scient- ( see science) + -i - -i- + -ficus -fic


Explanation

Things that are scientific are based on the principles and methods of science. Scientific evidence is the result of study and experimentation, not opinions and guesses. If you want to prove something, finding scientific support is your best bet. The scientific method is the surest way to study and learn about things because it involves experiments, research, and careful analysis of the facts. Scientific evidence is more than an opinion or a wish — it's been studied and supported by some of our best minds. Anyone can have an opinion, but it doesn't mean much without scientific studies to back it up.

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Vocabulary lists containing scientific

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

"It would be extraordinary to walk away from UK scientific leadership at this moment, damaging the future research programme and seriously damaging our hard-won international reputation," Cox said.

From BBC ● Nov. 3, 2026

Reddit has highlighted a number of issues in its written submission to the court, pointing to problems enforcing the ban and a lack of scientific evidence about the harms of social media.

From Barron's ● Nov. 3, 2026

"Developing and manufacturing a complex long-acting injectable like lenacapavir at an affordable price required strong scientific capabilities and manufacturing expertise to address an urgent access need."

From Barron's ● Nov. 2, 2026

What began as a scientific mission turned into a desperate struggle for survival.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 2, 2026

Virchow made significant discoveries in oncology—the treatment of tumors—and parasitology, the scientific study of parasites.

From "Mountains Beyond Mountains" by Tracy Kidder and Michael French

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