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.

Factsheet What does the word empirical mean? There are ten meanings listed in OED's entry for the word empirical. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

Dec 21, 2025 · empirical (plural empiricals) A measurement or result achieved by empirical means.

empirical (adjective) empirical /ɪm ˈ pirɪkəl/ adjective also empiric /ɪm ˈpirɪk/ Britannica Dictionary definition of EMPIRICAL : based on testing or experience

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

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