experiment
C1 (High Frequency Academic Word)Formal in scientific context; neutral in general use.
Definition
Meaning
A scientific procedure undertaken to make a discovery, test a hypothesis, or demonstrate a known fact, typically involving systematic manipulation of variables.
Any process of trying something new, often with an uncertain outcome, to learn from the experience or for enjoyment; a course of action undertaken tentatively.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it primarily denotes a controlled scientific procedure but has broadened to any trial of a new method or idea. The verb focuses on the act of trying something new to see the results.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. British usage may show a slightly higher frequency of 'carry out an experiment' versus American 'run/do an experiment'. The verb form is used equally in both varieties.
Connotations
In both, the noun carries connotations of rigour and method in scientific contexts, and of novelty or playfulness in everyday contexts (e.g., 'experimenting with a new recipe').
Frequency
The word is extremely common in academic and technical registers in both varieties. In everyday speech, the verb might be slightly more common than the noun outside scientific discussion.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
experiment on something/somebodyexperiment with somethingexperiment to do somethingVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a experiment in living”
- “an experiment in democracy”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to trying a new business model, marketing strategy, or product line on a small scale before full rollout.
Academic
The core method of empirical research across sciences, involving hypothesis testing, control groups, and data analysis.
Everyday
Used for trying new things in cooking, fashion, hobbies, or lifestyle choices.
Technical
Specifically denotes a procedure where an independent variable is manipulated to observe its effect on a dependent variable.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They decided to experiment with a new layout for the magazine.
- The chef is experimenting with foraged ingredients.
American English
- The school is experimenting with a longer school day.
- He experimented in college but never used drugs again.
adjective
British English
- The experimental theatre piece challenged audiences.
- She works in an experimental physics lab.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- We did a simple science experiment in class.
- I will experiment with a new colour for my room.
- The experiment proved that plants need light to grow.
- She is experimenting with a new diet to improve her health.
- The researchers conducted a double-blind experiment to eliminate bias.
- The government's economic experiment yielded mixed results.
- The pioneering experiment in quantum entanglement has opened new avenues for research.
- The novel can be read as a linguistic experiment, challenging conventional narrative structures.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'EXPERT' needs an 'IMENT' (instrument) to become an expert, you must conduct experiments.
Conceptual Metaphor
LIFE IS AN EXPERIMENT; KNOWLEDGE IS A PRODUCT OF EXPERIMENTATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing with 'опыт' when it means 'experience' (life experience). Russian 'эксперимент' is a direct cognate but can sound more exclusively scientific. The English verb 'to experiment' is more freely used.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'make/do an experiment' (non-standard, use 'conduct/perform/run'). Confusing 'experiment' (active testing) with 'experience' (something lived through).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes a 'thought experiment'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. While its primary meaning is scientific, it is commonly used for any trial of something new, like 'experimenting with a hairstyle'.
A 'test' often checks if something works or meets a standard. An 'experiment' is more about discovery, exploring the unknown, or establishing cause-and-effect relationships.
Yes. As a verb, it means to try something new, especially to learn from it (e.g., 'The company is experimenting with remote work').
The most common are 'with' (experimenting with techniques) and 'on' (experimenting on animals). 'In' is also used in broader contexts (experimenting in digital art).
Collections
Part of a collection
Science and Technology
B1 · 47 words · Basic scientific concepts and modern technology.
Innovation
B2 · 46 words · Language of innovation, creativity and entrepreneurship.
Science and Research
B2 · 43 words · Academic and scientific research methodology.