empirically.

By reference to observations, measurements or experience rather than reasoning alone.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• empirically supported
• empirically test

On the page

The mechanism was plausible but had not been empirically tested in that setting.

Researchers assessed the claim empirically using records collected before the controversy.

Usage notes

Primary category: academic / formal. Forms: Invariable adverb; no plural or tense forms. Compare degree only where the particular use naturally permits it. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: evidence, methodology. Disciplines: academic writing, research, argumentation. Commonness: moderately common.