non-empirical

The word is a modern English compound formed by directly applying the Latin-derived negative prefix 'non-' to the adjective 'empirical'. 'Empirical' itself has a rich history, entering English in the 16th century from Late Latin 'empiricus', which was borrowed from Greek 'empeirikos', meaning "experienced," from 'empeiria' (experience). This Greek term derives from 'en-' (in) + 'peira' (a trial, experiment), a root traceable to Proto-Indo-European per- (to try, risk). Therefore, 'non-empirical' logically constructs its meaning by negating the core concept of knowledge gained through trial, experiment, or sensory experience, instead denoting knowledge derived from theoretical principles or pure reason.

Structure: non (not) + empirical (based on observation) - non: A prefix of Latin origin, meaning "not." It functions as a negative or privative element. - empirical: An adjective of Greek origin (via Latin and Late Latin), from the root 'empiric' (based on observation/experience) + the adjectival suffix '-al'. The root relates to experience.