experimental
B2Formal, Academic, Technical
Definition
Meaning
Related to a test, trial, or scientific procedure conducted to gain new knowledge or to try something out.
Using new methods, ideas, or forms that are not yet fully established or proven; innovative and often untested.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term can denote both a specific scientific procedure (e.g., experimental data) and a more general sense of innovation or risk-taking (e.g., experimental music). In the latter sense, it often implies a departure from convention.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. US English more readily uses 'experimental' to describe cutting-edge art/theatre. In UK academic contexts, 'experimental' is slightly more strongly tied to the physical sciences.
Connotations
Slightly more positive connotation of innovation and pioneering in American usage; slightly more cautious connotation of unproven and possibly risky in British usage, though both are context-dependent.
Frequency
Comparatively frequent in both dialects, with a high frequency in academic and technical registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
ADJ + NOUN (experimental theatre)ADV + ADJ (highly experimental)BE + ADJ + in (The artist was experimental in her use of materials.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “On an experimental basis”
- “In the experimental phase”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
'We're launching the product on an experimental basis in select markets.' Refers to a limited, test-market release.
Academic
'The study followed a rigorous experimental design with control groups.' Refers to a systematic scientific investigation.
Everyday
'This recipe is still experimental—I'm not sure how it will taste.' Refers to a personal trial or untested idea.
Technical
'The reactor operates under experimental conditions not found in standard power plants.' Refers to parameters set for research.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The verb form is 'experiment'. e.g., 'They plan to experiment with new teaching methods next term.'
American English
- The verb form is 'experiment'. e.g., 'We need to experiment with different marketing strategies.'
adverb
British English
- The adverb is 'experimentally'. e.g., 'He smiled experimentally, unsure of the reaction.'
American English
- The adverb is 'experimentally'. e.g., 'She applied the technique experimentally to the new data set.'
adjective
British English
- The treatment is still in its experimental phase.
- She has a very experimental approach to sculpture.
American English
- The drug is only available for experimental use.
- The band is known for its experimental sound.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This is an experimental garden. We are trying new plants.
- The chef made an experimental cake with unusual flavours.
- The scientists published their experimental findings in a journal.
- The film uses experimental filming techniques.
- The validity of the conclusion depends heavily on the experimental design.
- His early, more experimental novels are less widely read.
- Critics praised the playwright's experimental deconstruction of narrative form.
- The experimental cohort exhibited a statistically significant reduction in symptoms.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of EXPERImental as trying to gain EXPERIence through a test or trial.
Conceptual Metaphor
KNOWLEDGE IS A JOURNEY (the experimental phase is an early part of the journey), INNOVATION IS EXPLORATION.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid direct translation of 'экспериментальный' for all contexts. In English, 'experimental' in art implies avant-garde, while 'experiment-based' or 'empirical' might be closer for scientific contexts. 'Pilot project' is often better for 'пилотный проект' than 'experimental project'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'experimental' to mean 'experienced' (confusion with 'experienced').
- Overusing for simple 'new' ideas where 'trial' or 'test' is more precise.
- Incorrect stress: /ˌeks.per.iˈmen.təl/ instead of /ɪkˌsper.ɪˈmen.təl/.
Practice
Quiz
In which context does 'experimental' LEAST imply a formal scientific test?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. In science, it's neutral/factual. In art, it can be positive (innovative) or negative (unfocused). In business, it can imply both opportunity and risk.
'Experimental' specifically refers to tests with controlled variables. 'Empirical' is broader, meaning based on observation or experience, not necessarily from a controlled experiment.
Not directly. You describe a person's 'approach', 'work', or 'mindset' as experimental (e.g., 'an experimental artist'), but you wouldn't typically say 'He is experimental.'
The primary noun is 'experiment'. 'Experimentalism' is a derived noun referring to a doctrine or practice of being experimental, often in the arts.
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Part of a collection
Scientific Terminology
C1 · 44 words · Precise vocabulary used in scientific disciplines.
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