How to pronounce empirically
Say it like em-PIR-ih-kuh-lee. Empirically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PIR).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce empirically. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- em
- PIR
- ih
- kuh
- lee
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Empirically pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- emKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- PIRSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- ihKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "i" in sit.
- kuhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- leeKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the "ee" in see.
American vs British pronunciation of empirically
American and British speakers say empirically in essentially the same way: /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/ in the US and /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/ in the UK.
British respelling: em-PIR-ih-kuh-lee.
What does empirically mean?
- Based on experience as opposed to theoretical knowledge.“I have no idea why this works, but empirically, it works.”
- Based on data and evidence gathered in the real world.“We need to test this idea empirically instead of just speculating about it.”
Where does empirically come from?
From empirical + -ly.
Similar and opposite words
Opposite meaning
Questions about saying empirically
How do you pronounce empirically?
Say em-PIR-ih-kuh-lee. The American pronunciation is /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/. In British English it is /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in empirically?
Empirically has five syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (PIR). Broken into parts: em · PIR · ih · kuh · lee.
Do Americans and Brits say empirically the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/ and the British form is /ɛmˈpɪrɪkəli/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.