empirically

adverb

em·​pir·​i·​cal·​ly im-ˈpir-i-k(ə-)lē How to pronounce empirically (audio)
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
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The goal isn’t to see which team is empirically the best, though. Grant Brisbee, New York Times, 12 Oct. 2025 No study has empirically evaluated whether a doctor’s union membership affects their patients’ health. Patrick Aguilar, The Conversation, 10 Sep. 2025 In a 2024 study published in Communications Psychology, psychological researchers empirically tested, and ultimately proved, that a pause as brief as five seconds during heated exchanges significantly reduced aggression between partners. Mark Travers, Forbes.com, 22 Aug. 2025 The defendants are likely also to empirically challenge that prices have risen on account of exclusive deals. Michael McCann, Sportico.com, 16 July 2025 See All Example Sentences for empirically

Word History

First Known Use

1646, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of empirically was in 1646

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Cite this Entry

“Empirically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/empirically. Accessed 23 Oct. 2025.

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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