experiar

Experiar is a Latin verb meaning “to try, test, or experience.” It belongs to the third conjugation, with the present active infinitive experīrī and the first‑person singular present active indicative experior. The verb is derived from the stem exper- combined with the verb īrī, a common reflexive formation in Latin that conveys an action performed upon oneself. In classical Latin literature, experiar is used in a variety of contexts, ranging from philosophical discourse—where it denotes the testing of ideas or the experience of phenomena—to practical descriptions of experiments and attempts at skill acquisition.

The noun derived from the verb, experientia, evolved into the English word “experience,” preserving the original sense of personal encounter and observation. Throughout the Middle Ages, experiar and its derivatives were employed in scholastic texts to discuss the role of empirical observation in the acquisition of knowledge, a theme later echoed in the scientific revolution.

In modern Romance languages, the legacy of experiar can be seen in words such as Italian “esperire,” French “expérimenter,” and Spanish “experimentar,” all retaining the core meaning of trying or testing. The term also appears in contemporary academic jargon, particularly in fields like psychology and epistemology, where “experiential learning” refers to knowledge gained through direct experience. Despite its ancient origins, experiar continues to influence linguistic and conceptual frameworks related to testing, observation, and personal engagement with the world.