Empirical can still be used critically to describe ideas and practices that rely on experience or observation alone and without due regard for system or theory.

EMPIRICAL definition: derived from or guided by direct experience or by experiment, rather than abstract principles or theory. See examples of empirical used in a sentence.

EMPIRICAL definition: 1. based on what is experienced or seen rather than on theory: 2. based on what is experienced or…. Learn more.

Definition of empirical adjective in Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

empirical, adj. & n. meanings, etymology, pronunciation and more in the Oxford English Dictionary

Dec 21, 2025 · Adjective empirical (comparative more empirical, superlative most empirical) Pertaining to or based on experience, as opposed to theory.

empirical meaning, definition, what is empirical: based on scientific testing or practical...: Learn more.

If knowledge is empirical, it's based on observation rather than theory. To do an empirical study of donut shops, you'll need to visit every one you can find. Empirical looks like empire but comes from a …

derived from or depending upon experience or observation alone. derived from or guided by experience or experiment. depending upon experience or observation alone, without using scientific method or …

Empirical evidence or study relies on practical experience rather than theories. There is no empirical evidence to support his thesis.