From Greek 'empeirikos' (experienced) — originally describing physicians who relied on observation rather than theory.
Based on observation and experience rather than theory or pure logic; verifiable by observation or experiment.
From Latin 'empiricus,' from Greek 'empeirikos' (ἐμπειρικός), meaning experienced, skilled through practice. The Greek word derives from 'empeiria' (ἐμπειρία), meaning experience or practical knowledge, formed from 'en-' (in) and 'peira' (trial, experiment, attempt), from 'peiran' (to try, attempt). The Proto-Indo-European root is *per- (to try, risk, lead). In ancient medicine
The PIE root *per- (to try, risk) behind 'empirical' also produced 'experience' (Latin 'experientia,' from 'experīrī,' to try out), 'experiment' (same root), 'expert' (one who has tried thoroughly), 'peril' (a trial, danger), and 'pirate' (Greek 'peiratēs,' one who attempts or attacks). Science and piracy are etymological siblings.
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