Definition

A person who believes that knowledge comes from experience and observation rather than theory or pure logic.

Example

As an empiricist, she relied on experiments and real-world evidence to support her theories.

Conversation

I was reading about different philosophies last night.

Oh really? What caught your interest?

I found the ideas of an empiricist really fascinating.

That makes sense; they focus on evidence and experience, right?

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Empiricist → It is formed from "empiricus" (from Greek "empeiria", meaning experience) and the suffix "-ist" (meaning one who practices or is concerned with). An empiricist is someone who relies on experience or observation in the formation of ideas, rather than on theory or pure logic.

Memory Tip

Think of 'experience' ('empeiria') as the foundation for an empiricist, who is someone that values knowledge gained through observation.

Visually Confused Words