empirically

adverb

em·​pir·​i·​cal·​ly im-ˈpir-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empirically (audio)
em-
: in an empirical manner : with a basis in or reliance on information obtained through observation, experiment, or experience
a theory that has not yet been tested empirically
… using Tycho Brahe's most exhaustive astronomical observations in history, Kepler had empirically demonstrated that the planets orbit elliptically.Charles Krauthammer
The statistical models were flawed, the defense maintained, noting that none had been empirically tested.Simon Cole

Examples of empirically in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
One consensus that experts seem to arrive at is that the efficacy of any kind of therapy, whether it’s deemed as empirically backed or happens face-to-face versus video call, depends on what the patient first and foremost hopes for. Katie Liu, Discover Magazine, 5 Feb. 2025 The impact of those disruptions can be tracked empirically, as the box office has failed to fully rebound from the pandemic. Jordan Moreau, Variety, 23 Jan. 2025 Even Aristotle, who could be said to have launched literary criticism, set forth the precepts of tragedy by empirically studying the indelible examples of Aeschylus, Sophocles and Euripides. Charles McNulty, Los Angeles Times, 4 Dec. 2024 The goal here is to grade contracts empirically, with the same context being applied to each player across the league: How much value does each player bring to the table per year and over the life of the contract. Dom Luszczyszyn, The Athletic, 16 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for empirically 

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empirically was in 1646

Dictionary Entries Near empirically

Cite this Entry

“Empirically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empirically. Accessed 22 Feb. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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