empirical

comparative more empirical · superlative most empirical

1. Pertaining to or based on experience, as opposed to theory.

   The lengths were calculated according to the empirical rules of the trade.

   2 more examples

   For some presumptive diagnoses, empirical antibiotic therapy begins immediately, whereas specific antibiotic therapy must await the results of the culture and sensitivity test.

   The village carpenter […] lays out his work by empirical rules learnt in his apprenticeship.

   1861, Herbert Spencer, Education

   Antonyms: theoretical

2. Pertaining to, derived from, or testable by observations made using the physical senses or using instruments which extend the senses.
3. human sciencesVerifiable by means of scientific experimentation.

   demonstrable with empirical evidence

   Antonyms: anecdotal, theoretical

plural empiricals

1. A measurement or result achieved by empirical means.