experimentally
experimentally — adverb
1. by carrying out a controlled scientific test to check whether an idea is correct
by carrying out a controlled scientific test to check whether an idea is correct or a method produces the expected result
Dr. Stefan tested the new vaccine experimentally on mice before moving to human trials.
passive: be tested experimentally + on [subjects]
The theory was confirmed experimentally when the temperature reached 95 °C and the compound changed colour.
collocation: confirmed / proven experimentally
Saira's team demonstrated experimentally that the plant grows thirty percent faster under red light than under blue light.
This process has not yet been verified experimentally, so the researchers are still collecting data.
Bao established experimentally that the bridge could support a load of forty tonnes without cracking.
- empirically
broader — includes observation and experience, not just controlled tests
- through testing
more concrete and informal than 'experimentally'
- scientifically
wider meaning — includes theory and analysis, not just experiments
- theoretically
based on ideas or calculations rather than real tests
- hypothetically
based on a guess or assumption, not evidence
用法筆記
Most common with past participles of research verbs: tested, proven, confirmed, verified, demonstrated, established, measured. The adverb typically appears directly before or after the verb it modifies.
常見錯誤
2. by trying something cautiously to discover what happens, without knowing the res
by trying something cautiously to discover what happens, without knowing the result or effect in advance
Meera moved the sofa experimentally to see if the room would feel more open.
pattern: verb + [object] + experimentally + to see [result]
Isabela added cinnamon to the sauce experimentally, curious how the flavour would change.
pattern: add [sth] experimentally to see [effect]
The chef cooked the vegetables at different temperatures experimentally to find the best texture.
Reema hummed a few notes experimentally before choosing the opening melody for her new song.
Theo pressed the red button experimentally, not knowing what the machine would do next.
- tentatively
emphasises lack of confidence or certainty
- cautiously
focuses on avoiding risk or mistakes
- on a trial basis
more specific to a planned trial period
- provisionally
formal — for a limited period to test suitability
- confidently
certain about the outcome
- decisively
acting with clear intention, no testing needed
用法筆記
Often used with verbs of manipulating, adding, or testing in everyday situations (move, add, try, hum, press, adjust). Unlike sense 1, this sense does not imply a formal scientific method — the action is exploratory rather than controlled.