observational

[ ob-zur-vey-shuh-nl ]

/ ˌɒb zɜrˈveɪ ʃə nl /

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adjective

of, relating to, or founded on observation, especially founded on observation rather than experiment.

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Origin of observational

First recorded in 1825–35; observation + -al¹

OTHER WORDS FROM observational

ob·ser·va·tion·al·ly, adverbnon·ob·ser·va·tion·al, adjectivepre·ob·ser·va·tion·al, adjective

Words nearby observational

obsequy, observable, observance, observant, observation, observational, observation car, observation post, observatory, observe, observer

How to use observational in a sentence

The technique reduced, to only about one part in ten trillion, the observational uncertainties in the frequency of light these transitions emitted—a staggering degree of accuracy by any standard.
A Breakthrough in Measuring the Building Blocks of Nature - Facts So Romantic|Subodh Patil|January 8, 2021|Nautilus
So far, Pfizer and BioNTech are only reporting two months of observational safety for their phase 3 clinical trial, although the companies have committed to continue monitoring their more than 43,000 trial participants.
The FDA is preparing to authorize the first Covid-19 vaccine in the US|Umair Irfan|December 11, 2020|Vox
While social norms can be communicated in many ways, one of the main paths is through observational learning.
Sick Of COVID-19? Here’s Why You Might Have Pandemic Fatigue|LGBTQ-Editor|October 24, 2020|No Straight News
Through interviews and observational studies in these communities, I documented the daily income flows for micro-entrepreneurs.
The advice that helped this year’s 40 under 40 find their own path|kdunn6|September 3, 2020|Fortune

Scientists cannot use observational research to determine whether one particular thing causes something else.
Decades-long project is linking our health to the environment|Lindsey Konkel|March 12, 2020|Science News For Students
And without a concrete way to measure the incidence of domestic violence, it is purely observational.
Another Hazy Week For Weed|Abby Haglage|September 1, 2014|DAILY BEAST
When a scientific truth arises, it is so because of observational and experimental consensus.
The Curious Passions of Mr. Cosmos: Neil deGrasse Tyson On Space, Climate, and Why Curiosity Wins Every Time|Scott Bixby|June 8, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Why do you prefer a purely observational approach that immerses the viewer in the events on the Maidan without any commentary?
Inside ‘Maidan’: Sergei Loznitsa on His Ukrainian Uprising Doc and Putin’s ‘Fascist’ Regime|Richard Porton|May 24, 2014|DAILY BEAST
This was followed by Kronick in 2009, the largest observational study ever done of insurance and mortality.
No, Really, It's Possible That Health Insurance May Not Make Us Healthier|Megan McArdle|May 7, 2013|DAILY BEAST
I'm just saying that this possibility is within the bounds of what at least some solid observational studies have found.
Study: Giving People Government Health Insurance May Not Make them Any Healthier|Megan McArdle|May 1, 2013|DAILY BEAST
In twelve months observational astronomy had made such a bound as it has never made before or since.
Pioneers of Science|Oliver Lodge
Religion also has its observational work in the larger and possibly more arduous manner.
Evolution in Modern Thought|Ernst Haeckel
I assure you, Mr. Payne, our visit to Earth was intended purely for observational purposes!
The Observers|G. L. Vandenburg
Only in this way can the error of regarding geography as a purely observational natural science be corrected.
The Popular Science Monthly, June, 1900|Various
During that period there came to the front the founder of accurate observational astronomy.
History of Astronomy|George Forbes