noun

empiricism

em-PIR-i-siz-uhm

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Empiricism (noun) means the philosophical view that sense experience is our best guide to what we can know. Example: “Empiricism holds that claims about the world must be tested against experience.”

noun

formal The philosophical view that sense experience is our best guide to what we can know.

"Empiricism holds that claims about the world must be tested against experience."

"The philosopher argued for empiricism over pure reasoning."

"Empiricism is often set against rationalism in introductory philosophy courses."

The pursuit of knowledge through observation and, where possible, experimentation.

"Modern science relies heavily on empiricism to test its theories."

"Her research method was pure empiricism, built on careful observation."

"The team favoured empiricism over speculation when studying the results."

How to use empiricism

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishEmpiricism is the idea that we learn about the world mainly by observing and experiencing it, not just by thinking about it.

When to use it

The word is mostly used in academic and philosophical contexts rather than everyday speech.

Memory tip

Link the word to empirical evidence, since both come from the same root and both point to knowledge gained through observation.

Trace the full origin ↓

Easily confused with

empiricist rationalism →

Common pairings

a doctrine of empiricism scientific empiricism empiricism versus rationalism rely on empiricism

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “empiricism” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

_____ holds that claims about the world must be tested against experience.

Etymology

Empiricism is formed from the word empiric, meaning someone who relies on practical experience, joined with the suffix -ism.

Origin: English

Synonyms

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quackery sensationalism

Antonyms

rationalism

Related words

superstition quackery rationalism humanism sensualism intellectualism freethinking mysticism

Rhymes for empiricism

cynicism mysticism criticism eroticism skepticism fanaticism romanticism Catholicism

See all rhymes for empiricism →

Frequently asked questions

What does empiricism mean in philosophy?

It is the view that experience and sensory perception are the main or most trustworthy source of knowledge.

How does empiricism differ from rationalism?

Empiricism stresses experience and observation, while rationalism stresses reason as the main source of knowledge.

Is empiricism only used in philosophy?

No, it is also used more broadly to describe seeking knowledge through observation and experimentation, as in scientific research.

What is the meaning of empiricism?

"empiricism" (noun) means the philosophical view that sense experience is our best guide to what we can know.

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