empiricist — A person who believes that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than pure reasoning or theory.
Part of speech: NOUN
Definition: A person who believes that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than pure reasoning or theory.
Pronunciation (IPA): /ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.sɪst/
Example Sentences
- My grandfather is such an empiricist that he won't believe the soup is spicy until he tastes it himself.
- John Locke is often considered the father of British empiricism, arguing that the mind starts as a blank slate.
- As an empiricist scientist, she trusted lab results over textbook predictions every single time.
empiricist
NOUN[/ɪmˈpɪr.ɪ.sɪst/]
A person who believes that knowledge comes primarily from sensory experience and observation rather than pure reasoning or theory.
The empiricist trusts only what her instruments measure, not old textbook claims.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word derives from Greek 'empeirikos' (experienced, empirical), which combines 'en-' (in, within) and 'peira' (trial, experiment), literally meaning one who values direct experience. It passed through Latin and Old French 'empirique' before entering English, where the agent suffix '-ist' (one who practices or believes in) was added to form 'empiricist'.
Breakdown
en- (in, within) + peira (trial, experiment, experience) + -ikos (Greek adjectival suffix) → empiric + -ist (one who practices or believes in) = empiricist (a person who relies on or advocates empiricism).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“My grandfather is such an empiricist that he won't believe the soup is spicy until he tastes it himself.”
“John Locke is often considered the father of British empiricism, arguing that the mind starts as a blank slate.”
“As an empiricist scientist, she trusted lab results over textbook predictions every single time.”
“Being an empiricist, he refused to trust the weather app and insisted on sticking his head out the window first.”
📚Related Words
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