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empírico

em-PEE-ree-koemˈpiɾiko

empirical

Also: practical
AdjectivemB2formal
A child looking through a magnifying glass at a small green sprout in the dirt.

📝 In Action

Los científicos necesitan pruebas empíricas para demostrar su hipótesis.

B2

Scientists need empirical evidence to prove their hypothesis.

Tiene un conocimiento empírico de la mecánica porque creció en un taller.

B2

He has a practical knowledge of mechanics because he grew up in a workshop.

Este estudio se basa en datos empíricos recogidos durante diez años.

C1

This study is based on empirical data collected over ten years.

Word Connections

Synonyms

Antonyms

  • teórico (theoretical)
  • hipotético (hypothetical)

Common Collocations

  • evidencia empírica – empirical evidence
  • método empírico – empirical method
  • datos empíricos – empirical data

empiricist

Also: layperson/self-taught practitioner
NounmC1formal
A person in a lab coat carefully drawing a picture of a butterfly they are observing.

📝 In Action

El viejo boticario era un empírico que conocía todas las hierbas.

C1

The old apothecary was a self-taught practitioner who knew all the herbs.

Word Connections

Synonyms

  • autodidacta (self-taught)

Antonyms

  • académico (academic)

Translate to Spanish

Words that translate to "empírico" in Spanish:

empirical→empiricist→

✏️ Quick Practice

Quick Quiz: empírico

Question 1 of 3

If a study is based on theories and guesses rather than real-world observation, is it 'empírico'?

📚 More Resources

👥 Word Family▼
empirismo(empiricism) — Noun
empíricamente(empirically) — Adverb
empirista(empiricist) — Adjective / Noun
🎵 Rhymes▼
líricosatíricoonírico
📚 Etymology▼

From the Latin 'empirĭcus', which comes from the Greek 'empeirikós', meaning 'experienced'. It shares roots with the word 'experience'.

First recorded: 15th century

Cognates (Related words)

English: empiricalFrench: empiriqueItalian: empirico

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between 'práctico' and 'empírico'?

'Práctico' means something is useful or related to action. 'Empírico' is more specific; it means the knowledge came from observing or doing something rather than just reading the theory.

Is 'empírico' a common word in daily Spanish?

It's not usually used to talk about lunch or sports, but it is very common in news, documentaries, university settings, and professional work.

Can I use 'empírico' to describe a person?

Yes! If you call someone 'un médico empírico,' you are saying they practice medicine based on experience, perhaps without a formal degree (though this is more common in historical contexts).