Empiric: meaning, definitions and examples

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empiric

 

[ɛmˈpɪrɪk ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'empiric' comes from the Greek word 'empeiria,' which means experience.
  • It was adopted into Middle English in the 15th century, initially referring to those who rely on experience in fields like medicine.

Science

  • In science, empiricism is a vital method; many discoveries are made through experiments and observations.
  • Famous scientists like Galileo and Newton used empirical methods to challenge previous theories.
  • The scientific method relies heavily on empiric principles, emphasizing observation and experimentation.

Philosophy

  • Empiricism is a school of thought that argues knowledge primarily comes from sensory experience.
  • Philosophers like John Locke and David Hume were key figures in the development of empiric philosophy.
  • Empiricism contrasts with rationalism, which holds that knowledge can be gained through reason alone.

Medicine

  • In the history of medicine, empiric healers relied on experience rather than formal medical training.
  • The rise of empirical medicine in the 19th century transformed healthcare, prioritizing clinical observations.
  • Empirical research in medicine today helps validate treatments through trials and real-world results.

Literature

  • Empirical themes often appear in realistic fiction, where characters learn and grow through their experiences.
  • The narrative style of some literary works reflects empiric principles by focusing on observation rather than theory.
  • Writers like Charles Dickens illustrated the lives of ordinary people, emphasizing lessons learned from everyday experiences.

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 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.