experiment
gb/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt/ us/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt/
B1
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
action
1
Scientific test or procedure
A test that you do to find out how something works or to see what happens.
Usage pattern:
to conduct/do/carry out [an experiment]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'experiment' with 'experience'. 'Experiment' is a test; 'experience' is something that happens to you in life.
Synonyms
test (More general; can be used outside of science.)
|
trial (Often used for testing products or procedures.)
Antonyms
observation (In science, observation means watching without changing anything, unlike an experiment which involves intervention.)
Collocations
conduct an experiment
|carry out an experiment
|scientific experiment
|laboratory experiment
|design an experiment
Themes
science
|education
|research
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The scientists conducted an experiment to test the new drug.
- Her chemistry experiment produced unexpected results.
- We designed an experiment to measure plant growth under different light conditions.
- The experiment confirmed the theory.
- Students learned how to set up a simple physics experiment.
Learner examples
- We did an experiment in science class.
- The experiment showed the answer.
- He made an experiment with water and salt.
- They tried an experiment with two plants.
- I saw an experiment in the lab.
Verb
B1
action
2
Try something as a test
To try something new to see what will happen.
Usage pattern:
to experiment with [something]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse 'experiment' (verb) with 'experience'. The verb 'experience' means to live through something, not to test it.
Synonyms
try out (Informal; often used for casual attempts.)
|
test (More formal; can imply systematic checking.)
Antonyms
stick to (Means to keep doing the same thing instead of trying new things.)
Collocations
experiment with flavors
|experiment with designs
|experiment with technology
|experiment freely
Themes
science
|creativity
|learning
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- She likes to experiment with different cooking styles.
- The artist experimented with new materials.
- We are experimenting with a new teaching method.
- They experimented with various software tools before choosing one.
Learner examples
- I want to experiment with new recipes.
- He experiments with colors in his paintings.
- We can experiment with this idea.
- She experiments with different ways to study.
Grammar
Dictionary form
experiment
IPA
GB/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt/
US/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt/
Syllables & stress
ex - per - i - ment (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (per)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: experiment
- Plural: experiment, experiments
Verb
- Base: experiment
- 3rd Person Singular: experiments
- Present Participle: experimenting
- Past: experimented
Word family
Forms
experiments
noun
experimenting
verb
experimented
verb
Core family
experimental
adjective B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
nonexperimental
adjective
Advanced or less common
experimentalist
noun
Expressions
experiment on
1/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt ˈɔn/
fixed phrase
Perform tests on something/someone
To do tests on a person, animal, or thing to study it.
Examples
- Scientists are not allowed to experiment on humans without consent.
- They experimented on mice to study the disease.
experiment with
1/ɪkspˈɛɹɪmənt wˈɪθ/
fixed phrase
Try something in order to see results
To try something new to see what happens or how it works.
Examples
- He likes to experiment with different musical styles.
- The company is experimenting with flexible work hours.