empirical
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empirical
Based on experience, observation, or experiments, as opposed to theoretical considerations. This word is mainly used in science and research.
Die Wirksamkeit des Medikaments wurde in einer empirischen Studie nachgewiesen.
The effectiveness of the medication was proven in an empirical study.
The adjective 'empirisch' (empirical) is derived from the noun 'die Empirie' (empirical knowledge), which means knowledge based on experience. The ending '-isch' is typical for adjectives formed from nouns.
Die Soziologie ist eine empirische Wissenschaft.
Sociology is an empirical science.
This word belongs to technical and academic language. It is rarely used in everyday conversation.
Für seine Doktorarbeit sammelt er empirische Daten.
He is collecting empirical data for his doctoral thesis.
'Empirisch' (empirical) is often combined with scientific terms. Common collocations are 'empirische Forschung' (empirical research), 'empirische Daten' (empirical data), 'eine empirische Untersuchung' (an empirical investigation/study), or 'etwas empirisch belegen' (to prove something empirically).
Die Theorie muss empirisch überprüft werden.
The theory must be tested empirically.
practical / virtually
'praktisch' and 'empirisch' are both often contrasted with purely theoretical ideas. 'praktisch' generally means that something has to do with application, practice, or real activity. 'empirisch' is more specific and is used mainly in research and science. It means that something is based on observation, experience, or experiments. Learners may confuse the words because both refer to something that is not just theory. 'praktisch' fits exercises and application; 'empirisch' fits data, studies, and investigations.
Die Studie liefert empirische Daten über das Lernverhalten von Jugendlichen.
The study provides empirical data on teenagers' learning behavior.
Für das Projekt brauchen wir nicht nur Ideen, sondern auch praktische Erfahrung.
For the project, we need not only ideas but also practical experience.