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empiric

empiric

8.9
A person who trusts tests and experience instead of theory
  • noun
  • /ɛmˈpɪrɪk/
  • Archaic
translation icon : empírico
  • The early physician was considered an empiric because he based his treatments on direct observation.

Examples

  • Unlike the theorists, the empirics trusted only what they could see and test themselves.

  • The doctor was known as an empiric in his field.

  • In ancient times, empirics often clashed with those who preferred abstract reasoning.

  • Many empirics have contributed to the development of modern medicine.

  • The early physician was considered an empiric because he based his treatments on direct observation.

  • Many empirics have contributed to the development of modern medicine by prioritizing practical techniques.

  • Unlike the theorists, the empirics trusted their experience and experiments to guide their medical practices.

Synonyms

empiricist
vsempiric
  • Formal
3 8.1

A person who thinks knowledge comes mostly from experience and observation

is about relying on direct observation in practice especially in medicine and science

Antonyms

75 5.8

A person who creates and explains ideas about subjects like science, politics, or art

How Experience-Based

empiricist
  • Formal
3 8.1
empiric
  • Archaic
8.9
practitioner
120 4.0
academic
68 3.9
theorist
75 5.8

Surface Forms

empiric singular
empirics plural

Etymology

Empiric as a noun comes from the same Greek empeiria ('experience') and literally means 'a person of experience'. So an empiric is someone who trusts observation and tests rather than only ideas.