empirically
Meaning
in a way that is based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic.
in a way that is based on practical experience rather than scientific principles.
Structure
Usage
the hypothesis was tested empirically through a series of controlled experiments.
we know empirically that this method yields the best results.
his conclusions were not drawn from theory but were based empirically on decades of field data.
Etymology
the word 'empirically' originates from the greek 'empeiria', meaning 'experience', derived from 'empeiros' ('experienced in'). this entered late latin as 'empiricus', referring to a physician whose practice relied on observation rather than theory. the english adjective 'empirical' was formed by adding the latin suffix '-al', and the adverb 'empirically' was subsequently created with the common germanic adverbial suffix '-ly'. the term's evolution from a descriptor of practical, experience-based medical practice to its modern abstract meaning in philosophy and science illustrates a shift from a specific professional method to a general epistemological principle based on observable evidence.
Analysis
empiric (from greek 'empeirikos', meaning 'experienced', via late latin 'empiricus'), al (latin adjectival suffix '-alis'), ly (old english adverbial suffix '-lice', from germanic).