Eksperimentell

Eksperimentell is an adjective used in Norwegian Bokmål and Danish to describe something that relates to experimentation or that follows an exploratory, trial‑and‑error approach. In Swedish, the cognate term is experimentell. The capitalization Eksperimentell is sometimes used in headings or titles in encyclopedic contexts, but the word itself is not a proper noun.

Etymology and form: The term derives from the Latin experimentum, through various European languages that contributed to the modern word family, including French and English. In Norwegian and Danish the common spellings are eksperimentell and eksperimentell, while Swedish uses experimentell. The meaning across languages centers on inquiry, testing, and provisional or exploratory methods.

Usage: In science and engineering, eksperimentell describes methods, designs, or results obtained through experiment rather than solely through theory. In arts and culture, eksperimentell or experimentell indicates work that challenges conventions—avant‑garde cinema, theatre, music, or visual art. In product development and design, it signals a prototype or process that is exploratory and not yet standardized. In education, eksperimentell learning refers to activities based on inquiry and hands‑on experimentation.

Notes and scope: The term is neutral and communicates a methodological stance rather than a value judgment about quality. It often implies provisional status or openness to revision. It can pair with nouns such as forskning, kunst, film, musikk, or design to specify the domain of experimentation.

See also: Experiment, Experimental music, Experimental film, Avant‑garde.