empirical
/ɪmˈpɪɹɪkəl/
Group 6Difficulty 1/3
Definition
- (adjective)
- Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic GRE
Example in Context
The researchers insisted on empirical evidence to support every claim, rejecting arguments that relied solely on theoretical models.
Synonyms
fact-basedobservedtested
Etymology
Pertaining to knowledge gained through experience or observation.
- empir- (Greek) — experience
- -ical (Greek) — pertaining to
Memory Aid
🔭Sounds like “im peer-ick-cool”
The IMPERFECT but COOL scientist used his telescope to make EMPIRICAL discoveries!
Visual Association
🔍A scientist peering through a microscope, surrounded by bubbling test tubes and notes.
Semantic Clusters
Synonym Groups
Frequently Asked Questions
What does “empirical” mean on the GRE?
empirical (adjective) means “Based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic”. The researchers insisted on empirical evidence to support every claim, rejecting arguments that relied solely on theoretical models.
How to remember “empirical” for the GRE?
Mnemonic: “empirical” sounds like “im peer-ick-cool”. The IMPERFECT but COOL scientist used his telescope to make EMPIRICAL discoveries!
What are synonyms for “empirical”?
Common synonyms: fact-based, observed, tested.