Empiric: meaning, definitions and examples

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empiric

 

[ ɛmˈpɪrɪk ]

Adjective / Noun
Context #1 | Adjective

scientific method

Empiric refers to knowledge derived from experimentation and observation rather than theory or pure logic. It emphasizes experience as the primary source of knowledge.

Synonyms

empirical, experimental, observational

Examples of usage

  • Empiric research plays a crucial role in scientific advancements.
  • The empiric approach to health care focuses on patient outcomes.
  • An empiric study can validate or challenge existing theories.
Context #2 | Noun

historical figure

An empiric is considered to be a practitioner in medicine or science who relies heavily on practical experience and empirical evidence, often sidelining theoretical knowledge.

Synonyms

experiential learner, hands-on learner, practitioner

Examples of usage

  • The empirics of ancient Greece laid the foundations for modern medicine.
  • He identified himself as an empiric, believing strongly in hands-on experience.
  • Many empirics flourished in the fields of herbal medicine and surgery.

Translations

Translations of the word "empiric" in other languages:

🇵🇹 empírico

🇮🇳 अनुभवजन्य

🇩🇪 empirisch

🇮🇩 empiris

🇺🇦 емпіричний

🇵🇱 empiryczny

🇯🇵 経験的な

🇫🇷 empirique

🇪🇸 empírico

🇹🇷 ampirik

🇰🇷 경험적인

🇸🇦 تجريبي

🇨🇿 empirický

🇸🇰 empirický

🇨🇳 经验的

🇸🇮 empiričen

🇮🇸 raunverulegur

🇰🇿 эмпирикалық

🇬🇪 ენდოსკოპიული

🇦🇿 empirik

🇲🇽 empírico

Word origin

The term 'empiric' originates from the Greek word 'empeirikos', which means 'experienced' or 'practiced'. The Greek root 'empeiria' translates to 'experience'. During the Renaissance, the concept was often associated with a group of medical practitioners known as the empirics who relied on observation and practical experience over theoretical training. This view began to gain traction in the scientific community, influencing the development of the scientific method that emphasizes observation, experimentation, and evidence-based reasoning. As modern science evolved, the term 'empirical' became more widespread, retaining the original emphasis on experiential learning and observational research as foundational to developing knowledge.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,303, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.