empirical

Empirical is an adjective describing knowledge or methods grounded in observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic. The term comes from the Greek empeirikos, meaning experimental, via Latin empiricus and Middle French empirique. In philosophy, empiricism is the doctrine that knowledge primarily derives from sensory experience.

In science, empirical methods rely on observable and measurable evidence. Empirical data are obtained through experiments, measurements, and field observations. The scientific method emphasizes empirical testing of hypotheses, replication of results, and falsifiability. Empirical research contrasts with theoretical or speculative approaches; many disciplines blend both, using models to interpret empirical findings and to generate testable predictions.

Usage and examples often center on evidence-based conclusions. The term describes results, data sets, or laws derived from observation, not from deduction alone. For instance, empirical evidence supports conclusions in psychology, sociology, medicine, and economics, where data collection and analysis underpin claims. An empirical law or rule summarizes a pattern observed in data, rather than one derived from first principles. The word can also appear in critiques of arguments that lack empirical validation, signaling a call for verification through observation and measurement.