adj · academic
empirical
/ɛmˈpɪrɪkəl/em·PI·ri·cal
Based on observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic
Examples
“The study provides empirical evidence for the effectiveness of the new policy.”
“In Task 2, mention both theoretical arguments and empirical data when possible.”
“Empirical research often requires careful data collection and statistical analysis.”
Band 8 sentence
“Policy recommendations should be grounded in empirical evidence rather than solely in ideological preferences.”
Collocations
- empirical evidence/data
- empirical study/research
Word family
Common mistakes
use 'empirical' to mean 'practical' or 'useful' generally→reserve 'empirical' for claims supported by observation/data
Say it for a higher band
5practical→6observational→7+empirical
Synonyms
observational
experimental
Easily confused
empirical vs theoretical
“The hypothesis was supported by empirical observation rather than theoretical argument.”
Related words
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In Sublist 5
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