empirical Definition

empirical
empiric
adj

1. Based on experiment, observation or experience, rather than on theory.

Thesaurus: practical, pragmatic, experimental, observed, experiential; Antonym: conjectural, speculative, theoretical.
2. Regarding experiment and observation as more important than scientific law.

Derivative: empirically
adverb

By means of experiment rather than theory.

Etymology: 16c: from Latin empiricus, from Greek empeiria experience.