science

The word “science” means the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment. In plain terms, systematic knowledge about the world gained through observation and testing, or a specific field of that knowledge.

“Science” is pronounced SEYE-uhns (/ˈsaɪ.əns/ in IPA).

Here is “science” used in a sentence: “Science has transformed the way we understand the universe.”

Words with a similar meaning to “science” include sci and sci..

“Science” is a noun.

The word “science” comes from Latin. From Old French science, from Latin scientia, "knowledge," from scire, "to know.".

“Science” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A1 level.

“Science” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the systematic study of the natural world through observation and experiment.

Science is usually divided into three broad areas. The natural sciences, such as physics, chemistry, and biology, study the physical world. The social sciences, including psychology and economics, study people and societies. The formal sciences, like mathematics and logic, deal with abstract systems. Many modern fields blend several of these together.

Science is the systematic study of the natural world — the pursuit of knowledge and understanding through observation and experiment. Technology is the practical application of that knowledge to build tools, machines, and solutions. In short, science asks how and why things work, while technology uses those answers to make things people can use.

The scientific method is the step-by-step process at the heart of science. Researchers observe something, form a hypothesis to explain it, then test that idea through controlled experiments. If the evidence supports the hypothesis, it stands; if not, it is revised. Repeating and checking results keeps scientific knowledge reliable and self-correcting.

Science matters because it gives us reliable knowledge about how the world works, replacing guesswork with tested evidence. It drives medicine, technology, and our understanding of nature, helping societies solve problems from disease to climate. Just as importantly, it teaches a way of thinking — questioning claims and checking them against real observation.