empirically

American  

[em-pir-ik-lee] / ɛmˈpɪr ɪk li /

adverb

1. in a way that is based on or guided by experience or experiment.

   We hope that this study will form the basis for future empirically grounded research and policy analysis.

2. in a way that is provable or verifiable by experience or experiment.

   Can it be stated empirically that the Latino vote was the single biggest factor contributing to the candidate's victory?

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Other Word Forms

• antiempirically adverb
• nonempirically adverb
• overempirically adverb
• semiempirically adverb
• unempirically adverb

Etymology

Origin of empirically

empirical ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

“Wouldn’t it be better for us to be able to give them empirically sound data upon which to base their decisions for use or their decisions not to use?”

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 23, 2026

Now, I feel like I’m at a much better place empirically to make that claim, particularly based on what’s happened in the last year with mass deportations.

From Slate • Apr. 13, 2026

And they empirically tested that theory, looking at the correlation of buy-the-dip versus the SG Trend index, which is the average return of the top 10 hedge funds running trend-following strategies.

From MarketWatch • Dec. 5, 2025

What do we know empirically about the impact of authoritarianism on public health and well-being?

From Salon • Jul. 1, 2025

The little bird, the little fish, the little animal learn not by principle, but empirically; and when he learn to do, then there is to him the ground to start from to do more.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker