empirical As applied to statements, particular research projects, or even to general approaches to research, the term ‘empirical’ implies a close relationship to sensory experience, observation, or experiment. Sometimes the term is contrasted with abstract or theoretical, sometimes with dogmatic, or sometimes with scholarly. In its derogatory uses, lack of attention to matters of principle or theory is implied. As a term of approval, for example from the stand-point of empiricism, the term implies practical relevance, or testability, as against bookish scholasticism or groundless speculation.

em·pir·i·cal / emˈpirikəl/ (also em·pir·ic) • adj. based on, concerned with, or verifiable by observation or experience rather than theory or pure logic: they provided considerable empirical evidence to support their argument.DERIVATIVES: em·pir·i·cal·ly adv.

empirical (im-pi-ri-kăl) adj. describing a system of treatment based on experience or observation, rather than of logic or reason.