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Empirical

2 stages from Greek to English.

Today it means based on observation or experiment rather than theory alone
1
Stage 1 of 2
empeirikos
Greek · ancient
"based on experience"
relying on experience, from empeiria (experience)
2
Stage 2 of 2
empirical
English · 1560s
"based on observation or experience rather than theory"
settled as the word for knowledge based on observation and experience
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