empirically

adverb

em·​pir·​i·​cal·​ly im-ˈpir-i-k(ə-)lē 

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

In linguistics, there are all these questions that historically have been largely philosophical debates that suddenly are empirically testable. —John Pavlus, Quanta Magazine, 30 Apr. 2025

Maybe, just maybe, the totality of knowledge really can be exposed empirically. —Theodore McDarrah, Forbes.com, 29 Apr. 2025

That may not prove empirically that Greaves is a bona fide NHL starter. —Aaron Portzline, New York Times, 13 Apr. 2025

It was used to empirically monitor general activity. —Andrew Williams, Forbes.com, 28 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empirically

• satirically