anecdotal

/ˌænɪkˈdəʊtl/ (bre, ipa) · /ˌænɪkˈdəʊtl/ (ame, ipa) · /ˌa-nik-ˈdō-tᵊl/ (ame, mw)

anecdotal — adjective

  • anecdotalpositive
  • more anecdotalcomparative
  • most anecdotalsuperlative

1. describing evidence or claims that come from personal stories instead of solid r

1.形容詞C1
釋義

describing evidence or claims that come from personal stories instead of solid research or checked facts

例句

The evidence is still anecdotal, so the doctors want larger trials.

be anecdotal, so stronger proof is needed

Shirin shared anecdotal reports from parents, but the school wanted survey data.

同義詞
  • unverified

    close when the point is lack of proof; anecdotal also suggests the claim comes from personal stories

  • subjective

    overlaps when evidence comes from personal impressions, but subjective focuses more on viewpoint than on story-based proof

  • unscientific

    stronger and more critical; anecdotal can be less harsh and simply stress weak evidence

反義詞
  • evidence-based

    supported by systematic data or research

  • statistical

    based on collected numerical data rather than individual stories

  • documented

    supported by records or other checkable proof

文法句型

anecdotal + evidence / account / report / claim

be anecdotal

用法筆記

Most often used with nouns such as evidence, report, account, and claim when someone wants to show that a conclusion comes from personal experience rather than broad research. Also common after be to question how reliable a piece of advice or proof really is.

常見錯誤

❌My uncle is anecdotal and tells funny stories at dinner.
✅My uncle is a great storyteller and tells funny stories at dinner.
💡Anecdotal usually describes information or evidence, not a person.
❌The result is anecdotal because five studies support it.
✅The result is well supported by research.
💡Anecdotal suggests personal reports rather than strong published evidence.