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

The study reinforces this point empirically. —Ahmed Elgammal, Fortune, 22 Jan. 2026

For companies, nodding to state-of-the-art technology and papering a corporate website in clip art of molecules is an indication that their product is the best, empirically. —Ellen Cushing, The Atlantic, 22 Jan. 2026

Smoking, on the other hand, has been empirically linked to sagging breasts. —Scott Lafee, San Diego Union-Tribune, 6 Jan. 2026

But it hasn’t actually been tested empirically in any rigorous way. —Outside, 30 Dec. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empirically

• satirically