phenomenological

Rarely phe·nom·e·no·log·ic

[fi-nom-uh-nl-oj-i-kuhl]

adjective

1. of, relating to, or based on observed or observable facts.

   The researchers opted for a phenomenological investigation rather than a purely theoretical study.

2. Philosophy.,  of or relating to someone’s awareness or experience of something rather than the thing itself.

   Case study scholars examine a particular phenomenon, while phenomenological scholars examine its essence and meaning as experienced by people in their everyday lives.

Other Word Forms

• phenomenologically adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of phenomenological¹

phenomenolog(y) ( def. ) + -ical ( def. )

Example Sentences

There’s more to examine in the way “Severance” shifts our focus away from the practical machinery behind Lumon’s endgame, whatever that may be, toward more phenomenological considerations.

From Salon

During the drug's peak effects, participants who received psilocybin reported substantial phenomenological changes compared to placebo.

From Science Daily

At its heart, Rist says, her collection is “a phenomenological investigation into how many bags come together when a 60-something-year-old Central European woman doesn’t throw anything away.”

From New York Times

Turning to Bettina’s photography series “Phenomenological New York,” Mr. Fleming challenged the story of the 1966 fire.

From New York Times

This pining for phenomenological stimulation seems almost reactionary.

From Salon