experimentation
C1Formal to neutral; common in academic, scientific, and professional contexts.
Definition
Meaning
The process of testing or trying out new ideas, methods, or things to see what happens or to discover something.
Systematic investigation through trial and error, often in scientific or creative contexts, to gather data, test hypotheses, or explore possibilities. Can also refer to personal or artistic exploration of new styles or approaches.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a structured or scientific approach, distinguishing it from casual 'trying'. Carries connotations of innovation, discovery, and sometimes risk.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling follows standard -isation/-ization patterns.
Connotations
Slightly more common in British academic writing, but equally valued in American research contexts.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both variants; appears in similar domains (science, education, business innovation).
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
experimentation on + noun (e.g., on animals)experimentation with + noun (e.g., with materials)experimentation into + noun (e.g., into behaviour)undergo experimentationcarry out experimentationVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “a laboratory of experimentation”
- “in the experimentation phase”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to testing new business models, products, or marketing strategies in controlled settings (e.g., 'Our team encourages experimentation with agile methodologies.').
Academic
Central to scientific method; describes rigorous testing of hypotheses under controlled conditions (e.g., 'The paper details the experimentation protocol.').
Everyday
Used for trying new recipes, hobbies, or personal styles (e.g., 'Her experimentation with different hair colours was fun.').
Technical
In engineering and tech, refers to prototyping, A/B testing, or proof-of-concept development (e.g., 'The software's development involved extensive experimentation with algorithms.').
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They are experimenting with renewable energy sources.
- The chef experimented by adding unusual spices.
American English
- The company is experimenting with a four-day workweek.
- She experimented with different painting techniques.
adverb
British English
- The treatment was applied experimentally to a small group.
- He approached the problem experimentally, testing each variable.
American English
- The software was released experimentally to beta testers.
- She worked experimentally, adjusting her methods as she went.
adjective
British English
- The experimental theatre group received critical acclaim.
- We're still in the experimental phase of the project.
American English
- The experimental drug showed promising results.
- His experimental approach to teaching engaged the students.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children did some experimentation with colours in art class.
- His experimentation with cooking led to a tasty new dish.
- The new policy allows for more experimentation in teaching methods.
- After much experimentation, they found the best solution.
- Scientific experimentation must follow strict ethical guidelines.
- The artist's experimentation with digital media produced striking results.
- The research paper critiques the methodological rigour of prior experimentation in the field.
- Corporate experimentation with decentralised structures has yielded mixed results regarding productivity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: EXPERIment + aCTION = EXPERIMENTATION (the action of doing experiments).
Conceptual Metaphor
EXPERIMENTATION IS A JOURNEY OF DISCOVERY (involving paths, trials, exploration).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'экспериментирование' in all contexts; in formal science, 'экспериментирование' is acceptable, but 'проведение экспериментов' or 'экспериментальная работа' might be more natural. In everyday contexts, 'пробы' or 'поиск' might be better fits.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'experiment' (countable noun) interchangeably with 'experimentation' (uncountable process). Confusing with 'experience'. Misspelling as 'expirimentation'. Overusing in informal contexts where 'trying out' would suffice.
Practice
Quiz
Which context most strongly implies a formal, systematic process?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Primarily uncountable, referring to the process or activity. You don't say 'an experimentation' or 'three experimentations'. Use 'an experiment' or 'experiments' for countable instances.
'Experiment' is a countable noun for a specific test or trial. 'Experimentation' is the uncountable noun for the overall activity or process of conducting experiments. E.g., 'We conducted an experiment (specific)' vs. 'Our work involves much experimentation (process).'
Yes, particularly in phrases like 'human experimentation' or 'animal experimentation', which can raise ethical concerns. Context determines whether it's seen as positive (innovation) or negative (unethical testing).
Commonly followed by 'on' (experimentation on animals), 'with' (experimentation with techniques), or 'in' (experimentation in physics). 'Into' is also used in research contexts (experimentation into cognitive processes).
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