Russian Translation(s) & Details for 'empirical'

English Word: empirical

Key Russian Translations:

• эмпирический [ɛmpʲɪˈrʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj] - [Formal, Academic]

Frequency: Medium (Common in scientific, philosophical, and academic contexts, but not everyday conversation)

Difficulty: B2 (Upper Intermediate; Requires familiarity with abstract concepts and Russian adjective forms)

Pronunciation (Russian):

эмпирический: [ɛmpʲɪˈrʲit͡ɕɪskʲɪj]

Note on эмпирический: The stress falls on the fourth syllable ('ri'). Pronunciation may vary slightly by regional dialects, with the 'r' sound being rolled in some accents. Pay attention to the palatalized 'pʲ' and 'rʲ' for accurate articulation.

Audio: []

Meanings and Usage:

Meaning 1: Based on observation, experience, or experiment rather than theory

Translation(s) & Context:

• эмпирический - Used in formal academic, scientific, or philosophical contexts to describe methods or evidence derived from real-world observation.

Usage Examples:

• Эмпирический подход в психологии помогает понять поведение на основе реальных наблюдений.

  The empirical approach in psychology helps understand behavior based on real observations.

• В эмпирических исследованиях ученые полагаются на данные, собранные в полевых условиях.

  In empirical research, scientists rely on data collected in field conditions.

• Эмпирический анализ данных подтверждает гипотезу о климатических изменениях.

  The empirical analysis of data confirms the hypothesis about climate change.

• Без эмпирического подтверждения теория остается спекулятивной.

  Without empirical confirmation, the theory remains speculative.

• Эмпирический метод обучения включает эксперименты и практические задания.

  The empirical method of learning includes experiments and practical assignments.

Russian Forms/Inflections:

Эмпирический is an adjective in Russian, which follows the standard patterns of first-declension adjectives. It inflects based on gender, number, and case. Russian adjectives agree with the nouns they modify and can be regular or irregular, but this one is regular.

Note: This adjective does not have irregular forms, making it straightforward for learners once basic adjective declension is mastered.

Russian Synonyms/Antonyms:

• Synonyms:
  • экспериментальный (experimental; emphasizes hands-on testing, often with subtle differences in scientific contexts)
  • практический (practical; more general, implying real-world application rather than strict observation)
• Antonyms:
  • теоретический (theoretical; used when contrasting with evidence-based approaches)
  • абстрактный (abstract; highlights ideas not grounded in observation)

Related Phrases:

• эмпирические данные - Empirical data; Refers to information gathered through observation or experiments.
• эмпирический метод - Empirical method; A systematic approach to research based on evidence.
• эмпирическое знание - Empirical knowledge; Knowledge derived from experience rather than theory.

Usage Notes:

Эмпирический directly corresponds to the English "empirical" in academic and scientific contexts, emphasizing evidence-based reasoning. It is typically used in formal settings, such as research papers or lectures, and should agree with the noun it modifies in gender, number, and case. When choosing between translations like эмпирический and экспериментальный, opt for the former if the focus is on observation over controlled experiments. Be mindful of its abstract nature, as Russian speakers might prefer more concrete terms in everyday conversation.

• In sentences, it often appears with nouns like "метод" (method) or "исследование" (research).
• Avoid using it in informal contexts, as it may sound overly technical.

Common Errors:

English learners often confuse эмпирический with теоретический, leading to incorrect usage in scientific discussions. For example:

• Error: Using "эмпирический" to describe a purely theoretical concept, e.g., "Эмпирический подход в математике" (which implies observation-based math, but math is often theoretical).
• Correct: "Теоретический подход в математике" - The theoretical approach in mathematics. Explanation: Эмпирический should only be used for evidence-based methods, not abstract theories.
• Another Error: Forgetting adjective agreement, e.g., saying "эмпирический метод" for a feminine noun, which is incorrect if the noun requires a different form.
• Correct: Ensure proper declension, as in "эмпирическая теория" for a feminine noun.

Cultural Notes:

In Russian culture and academia, terms like эмпирический reflect the influence of Western scientific traditions, particularly from the 19th-century Russian intelligentsia who adopted empirical methods from European philosophy. It underscores Russia's emphasis on rigorous, evidence-based science in fields like physics and social sciences, contrasting with more theoretical approaches in historical Russian thought.

Related Concepts:

• метод (method)
• исследование (research)
• данные (data)
• научный (scientific)