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

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

You must study it empirically, accounting for confounding variables and using rigorous methodology.

From Slate • Sep. 26, 2025

It is also empirically true of a demographic whose median age is 6½.

From Los Angeles Times • Mar. 22, 2024

"When you consider some of the fundamental metrics that indicate, empirically, transferable success traits, he becomes a serious consideration as the next Liverpool manager. However, there are probably even better candidates," Carteret said.

From BBC • Feb. 23, 2024

In consequence, every living cell has a consistent, low level of C14—they are all very slightly radioactive, a phenomenon that Libby first observed empirically.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann