scientific
Americanadjective
-
of or relating to science or the sciences.
scientific studies.
-
occupied or concerned with science.
scientific experts.
-
regulated by or conforming to the principles of exact science.
scientific procedures.
-
systematic or accurate in the manner of an exact science.
adjective
-
(prenominal) of, relating to, derived from, or used in science
scientific equipment
-
(prenominal) occupied in science
scientific manpower
-
conforming with the principles or methods used in science
a scientific approach
Other Word Forms
-
antiscientificadjective
-
counterscientificadjective
-
nonscientificadjective
-
prescientificadjective
-
proscientificadjective
-
quasi-scientificadjective
-
superscientificadjective
-
antiscientificallyadverb
-
nonscientificallyadverb
-
quasi-scientificallyadverb
-
scientificallyadverb
-
superscientificallyadverb
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.
Vocabulary lists containing scientific
Reading: Informational - Introductory
Looking to grow your vocabulary? Check out this interactive, curated word list from our team of English language specialists at Vocabulary.com – one of over 17,000 lists we've built to help learners worldwide!
UCPS 6th Grade Roots List #13
Interested in learning more words like this one? Our team at Vocabulary.com has got you covered! You can review flashcards, quiz yourself, practice spelling, and more – and it's all completely free to use!
Florida's B.E.S.T. Common Suffixes: -ic
Want to remember this word for good? Start your learning journey today with our library of interactive, themed word lists built by the experts at Vocabulary.com – we'll help you make the most of your study time!
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.
For this week’s Slate Plus bonus episode, Emily, John, and David react to a New York Times list of 100 open scientific questions by coming up with some unanswered questions of their own.
From Slate ● Oct. 8, 2026
As I wrote in 2019, California’s policies, by contrast, reflect the scientific consensus that greenhouse gas emissions are a mortal threat to the environment.
From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 8, 2026
"His tenacity and scientific vision has paved the way for a new kind of astronomy."
From BBC ● Oct. 6, 2026
He spoke by video from a hotel room in Italy where he was attending a scientific meeting.
From Barron's ● Oct. 6, 2026
He loved knowing how things worked, especially technology and anything scientific.
From "A Monster of a Mystery (The Hardy Boys: Secret Files, #5)" by Franklin W. Dixon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
