experiment

/ɪkˈspɛrɪmənt/

Say it: ik-SPERR-uh-ment

1. noun A scientific procedure done to make a discovery, test a theory, or demonstrate a known fact.
The students conducted an experiment to measure the effect of light on plant growth.
2. verb To perform a scientific procedure or test a new idea.
Scientists are experimenting with new materials to create better batteries.
3. noun An action or new idea that is tried to see what the result will be.
The restaurant's new menu was a bold experiment that ultimately paid off.

📖 Seen in the wild

The scientists designed a new experiment to verify the effects of the drug.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ experiment in a sentence

Early results from the clinical experiment suggest the drug is safe and effective.
Her latest film is an interesting experiment in non-linear storytelling.
The company is running an experiment to see if a four-day workweek improves employee morale.
As a cook, I love to experiment with different spices and flavors.
The social experiment aimed to understand how strangers interact in a controlled environment.
Let's try moving the sofa over here; it's just an experiment.
The entire project was a massive and costly experiment in urban renewal.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

test trial investigation study research analysis procedure trial run

test · a more general term for any procedure to check quality, performance, or reliability.

trial · often suggests testing something to see if it's suitable for a purpose, like a clinical trial or a free trial.

investigation · implies a more formal and systematic inquiry, often broader than a single experiment.

study · refers to a detailed examination of a subject, which may involve experiments as one of its methods.

Opposites: certainty, assumption, theory, observation

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'experiment' comes from the Latin 'experimentum', meaning a trial, test, or proof. This itself stems from the verb 'experiri', which means 'to try out' or 'to test'. It shares a root with 'experience', highlighting the ancient connection between learning by doing and the knowledge gained from it.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

conduct an experimenta controlled experimenta scientific experimentan experiment shows/suggestsexperiment with something

While you can 'do' an experiment in casual conversation, it sounds more professional to say you 'conduct', 'run', or 'perform' an experiment. The verb form is often followed by the preposition 'with' (e.g., 'to experiment with new software'). The noun and verb forms have nearly identical pronunciations, though some speakers may slightly change the stress on the final syllable for the verb.

Word family: experimental, experimentation, experimenter, experimentally

💬 Quick answers

What does 'experiment' mean?

An experiment is a test or procedure carried out to learn something, discover an idea, or check if a theory is true. It can refer to a formal scientific process or a more casual act of trying something new.

What's the difference between an experiment and a test?

An experiment is usually designed to discover something new or test a hypothesis by manipulating variables. A 'test' is a broader term that can also mean checking the quality or performance of something already understood.

Is 'experiment' a noun or a verb?

It can be both. As a noun, it's the procedure itself ('The experiment failed'). As a verb, it's the action of performing the procedure ('She decided to experiment with a new technique').

What is a controlled experiment?

A controlled experiment is a scientific test where all conditions are kept constant except for the one variable being tested. This allows researchers to isolate the variable's effect and draw more accurate conclusions.

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