empirically
Meaning: On the basis of observation, experiment, or experience rather than theory or pure logic; through direct evidence gathered from the real world.
Empirically is a cornerstone of scientific and academic discourse, marking the distinction between what has been observed or tested and what is merely theorised. 'Empirically verified,' 'empirically grounded,' 'empirically demonstrated' — the word lends authority by anchoring claims in evidence. It contrasts with 'theoretically,' 'hypothetically,' and 'anecdotally.' In policy debates, calling for empirically based decisions is a way of insisting on evidence over ideology.
Examples
- The effectiveness of the programme has been empirically demonstrated through randomised controlled trials spanning five years. 该计划的有效性已通过五年间的随机对照试验得到了实证。La eficacia del programa ha sido demostrada empíricamente mediante ensayos controlados aleatorizados a lo largo de cinco años.そのプログラムの有効性は、5年間にわたる無作為化比較試験を通じて経験的に実証されている。해당 프로그램의 효과는 5년에 걸친 무작위 대조 시험을 통해 경험적으로 입증되었다.
- While the hypothesis is plausible, it has not yet been empirically tested in real-world conditions. 尽管该假设具有合理性,但尚未在现实条件下进行实证检验。Aunque la hipótesis es plausible, aún no ha sido verificada empíricamente en condiciones reales.その仮説はもっともらしいが、実際の条件下ではまだ経験的に検証されていない。그 가설은 그럴듯하지만 아직 실제 조건에서 경험적으로 검증되지 않았다.
- The committee called for empirically grounded policy-making rather than decisions based on political expediency. 委员会呼吁基于实证的政策制定,而非出于政治便利的决策。El comité abogó por una elaboración de políticas basada empíricamente en la evidencia, en lugar de decisiones guiadas por la conveniencia política.委員会は、政治的都合に基づく決定ではなく、経験的に裏付けられた政策立案を求めた。위원회는 정치적 편의에 기반한 결정이 아니라 경험적으로 뒷받침되는 정책 수립을 요구했다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: academic, scientific, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From empirical (from Greek empeirikos, experienced, from empeiria, experience, from en- in + peira, trial) + -ly. The philosophical tradition of empiricism, emphasising experience over innate ideas, gave the word its modern scientific connotation.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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