empirická

Empirická is the feminine singular form of the Czech adjective empirický, meaning relating to or based on experience and observation rather than theory alone. It is used to describe knowledge, data, methods, or research that derive from empirical evidence. Common phrases include empirická data (empirical data), empirická metoda (empirical method), and empirický výzkum (empirical research).

Etymology and usage notes: The term derives from Latin empiricus, via Greek empeirikos, and was incorporated into Czech scientific vocabulary during the development of modern science terminology in the 19th century. It is the feminine form to agree with feminine nouns such as data or metoda, while masculine forms include empirický and neuter empirické.

In science and philosophy: Empirical approaches emphasize observation, measurement, experimentation, and reproducibility. Empirical evidence is gathered through senses or instruments and is subjected to analysis to test hypotheses. This contrasts with a priori or purely theoretical approaches that do not rely on observed data. The concept is central to empiricism, a philosophical tradition that regards experience as the primary source of knowledge, and to the scientific method, which integrates observation, hypothesis testing, data collection, and interpretation.

In everyday and professional use, empirical can describe conclusions, validation, or support grounded in observed facts. The term appears across disciplines such as natural sciences, social sciences, medicine, and engineering, underscoring the importance of data-driven reasoning.