scientific
seye-uhn-TIHF-ihk
Scientific (adj) means relating to science or to the methods used in science. Example: “Scientific evidence shows that regular exercise helps people sleep better at night.”
adj
1
Relating to science or to the methods used in science.
"Scientific evidence shows that regular exercise helps people sleep better at night."
"The team published their findings in a scientific journal."
"She takes a very scientific approach to solving problems."
How to use scientific
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishDescribing anything connected to science, or done using careful, methodical, evidence-based methods.
Common pairings
scientific method
scientific research
scientific evidence
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more scientific
- Superlative
- most scientific
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_____ evidence shows that regular exercise helps people sleep better at night.
Etymology
Borrowed from French scientifique, from Medieval Latin scientificus, "pertaining to science."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
unscientific
Related words
Rhymes for scientific
See all rhymes for scientific →Frequently asked questions
What does “scientific” mean?
The word “scientific” means relating to science or to the methods used in science. In plain terms, describing anything connected to science, or done using careful, methodical, evidence-based methods.
How do you pronounce “scientific”?
“Scientific” is pronounced seye-uhn-TIHF-ihk (/ˌsaɪ.ənˈtɪf.ɪk/ in IPA).
How do you use “scientific” in a sentence?
Here is “scientific” used in a sentence: “The team published their findings in a scientific journal.”
What is another word for “scientific”?
Words with a similar meaning to “scientific” include systematic, sciential and ultrascientific.
What part of speech is “scientific”?
“Scientific” is an adjective.
Where does the word “scientific” come from?
The word “scientific” comes from Medieval Latin. Borrowed from French scientifique, from Medieval Latin scientificus, "pertaining to science.".
Is “scientific” a common word?
“Scientific” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
What does scientific mean?
Scientific describes anything relating to science or to the systematic methods science uses: observation, experiment, evidence, and testing. A scientific approach means basing conclusions on gathered evidence rather than guesswork or opinion. The word can describe fields, tools, methods, or simply a careful, rigorous way of thinking.
What is the scientific method?
The scientific method is the step-by-step process science uses to build reliable knowledge: observe something, form a hypothesis, test it through experiment, analyse the results, and draw conclusions others can check. Being scientific means following this kind of evidence-based, repeatable approach rather than relying on assumption.
What is the difference between scientific and technical?
Scientific relates to science itself, discovering how the world works through evidence and experiment. Technical relates to the practical application of that knowledge, the skills and methods used to build or operate things. Research can be scientific; a manual or a repair is technical. The two often work hand in hand.
Is scientific a positive word?
It is generally seen as positive, suggesting rigour, evidence, and reliability. Calling a claim scientific implies it has been tested and supported. The word is neutral in itself, though, simply meaning relating to science; it becomes praise mainly when it signals that careful, evidence-based methods were used.
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