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

Regardless of whether the problem can be empirically solved, further research into how the brains of the newly-sighted begin to integrate shapes, colors, contrast, and other visual features with their non-visual experiences could help researchers understand how the brain makes the mind. —Sachin Rawat, Big Think, 2 Mar. 2026

The good news for us is that physicists do have ways of thinking about—and even empirically studying—the origins of the origin of the universe. —Sarah Scoles, Scientific American, 10 Feb. 2026

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

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for empirically

• satirically