Theoretical vs. Empirical

Theoretical vs. Empirical — Is There a Difference?
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Difference Between Theoretical and Empirical

Theoreticaladjective

Of, relating to, or based on theory.

Empiricaladjective

Relying on or derived from observation or experiment

empirical results that supported the hypothesis.

Theoreticaladjective

Restricted to theory; not practical or applied

theoretical physics.

Empiricaladjective

Verifiable or provable by means of observation or experiment

empirical laws.

Theoreticaladjective

Studying or working to develop theory.

Empiricaladjective

Guided by practical experience and not theory, especially in medicine.

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Theoreticaladjective

Of or relating to theory; abstract; not empirical.

Empiricaladjective

Pertaining to or based on experience.

Theoreticaladjective

concerned primarily with theories or hypotheses rather than practical considerations;

theoretical science

Empiricaladjective

Pertaining to, derived from, or testable by observations made using the physical senses or using instruments which extend the senses.

Theoreticaladjective

concerned with theories rather than their practical applications;

theoretical physics

Empiricaladjective

(philosophy of science) Verifiable by means of scientific experimentation.

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Theoreticaladjective

based on specialized theory;

a theoretical analysis

Empiricaladjective

derived from experiment and observation rather than theory;

an empirical basis for an ethical theoryempirical lawsempirical dataan empirical treatment of a disease about which little is known

Empiricaladjective

relying on medical quackery;

empiric treatment