Definition, Meaning & Synonyms

empiric

noun

/ɛmˈpɪrɪk/

Definition

A person who relies on observation and experience rather than scientific theory in their approach to knowledge.

Examples

The empiric method has been pivotal in the development of practical medicine, relying on the actual experiences of patients and treatments.
Historically, many empirics were seen as practitioners who could heal based on observational knowledge rather than formal training.

Meaning

In the context of medicine or philosophy, an empiric is someone who bases their practices or beliefs mainly on actual experience or practical observation, rather than on theory or established scientific methods.