scientifically
gb/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli/ us/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli/
B2
English
~ 8700
Senses
0 senses
adverb
B2
property
1
in a way based on science
In a way that uses science, facts, and careful tests to study or explain something.
Usage pattern:
to [do/test/explain/analyze] [something] scientifically
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse "scientific" (adjective) and "scientifically" (adverb). Use "scientific" before a noun ("scientific test") and "scientifically" to describe how something is done ("test it scientifically"). Another mistake is using "scientifically" to mean "very" or "seriously"; it should only relate to science, facts, or careful study.
Synonyms
empirically (Stresses being based on observation and experiment; slightly more technical than "scientifically".)
|
experimentally (Focuses on using experiments, not general scientific knowledge as broadly as "scientifically".)
Antonyms
unscientifically (Direct opposite; means done without following scientific methods or standards.)
|
subjectively (Opposes the idea of objective, scientific methods by stressing personal feelings or opinions.)
Collocations
scientifically proven
|scientifically tested
|scientifically accurate
|scientifically valid
|scientifically measurable
|scientifically designed
Themes
science
|education
|technology
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The new drug was scientifically tested before it reached the market.
- These claims have never been scientifically proven and should be treated with caution.
- The study was carefully and scientifically designed to avoid bias.
- We need to measure the results scientifically, not just guess.
- Her explanation sounds good, but it is not scientifically accurate.
Learner examples
- The idea has not been scientifically proven yet.
- Doctors tested the treatment scientifically before using it on people.
- They want to study the problem scientifically.
- The company says its products are scientifically designed.
- This plan is not scientifically sound.
adverb
C1
relation
2
from a scientific viewpoint
When you look at something only with science and facts in mind, not with feelings or beliefs.
Usage pattern:
scientifically speaking, [clause]
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse "scientifically speaking" in casual situations where no scientific viewpoint is actually involved. It is best kept for topics where science, facts, or research are clearly being discussed. Also, avoid saying "speaking scientifically"; the fixed, natural form is "scientifically speaking" at the start of a sentence or clause.
Synonyms
technically (Often used similarly to mark a precise or expert viewpoint, but not limited to science.)
|
objectively (Emphasizes lack of personal feelings; overlaps when focusing on fact-based, scientific views.)
Antonyms
emotionally (Contrasts with judging something by scientific facts by judging it based on feelings instead.)
|
theologically (In some contexts, contrasts a religious viewpoint with a scientific one.)
Collocations
scientifically speaking
|considered scientifically
|scientifically correct
|scientifically meaningful
Themes
science
|discussion
|education
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Scientifically speaking, there is no evidence that this diet works.
- The creature is scientifically classified as a type of amphibian.
- Scientifically, that statement is incorrect, even if it is popular in the media.
- Scientifically speaking, time travel to the past is still impossible.
- Politically the decision made sense, but scientifically it was hard to justify.
Learner examples
- Scientifically speaking, the story is not possible.
- Scientifically, the idea has many problems.
- The movie is fun, but it is not scientifically correct.
- Scientifically speaking, we need more data.
- Scientifically, that answer is wrong.
Grammar
Dictionary form
scientifically
IPA
GB/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli/
US/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli/
Syllables & stress
sci - en - tific - ally (4 syllables)
Stress on 2nd syllable (en)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: scientifically
- Plural: scientificallies
Word family
Forms
scientificallies
noun
Core family
Negative and opposite forms
unscientific
adjective
unscientifically
adverb
Expressions
scientifically proven
1/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli pɹˈuvən/
fixed phrase
shown to be true by science
Shown to be true or effective by careful scientific tests and facts, not just by opinion or simple observation.
Examples
- The medicine is scientifically proven to reduce pain in most patients.
- There is no scientifically proven link between the two events yet.
- They only use ingredients that are scientifically proven to be safe.
scientifically speaking
1/sˌaɪəntˈɪfɪkli spˈikɪŋ/
fixed phrase
from a scientific point of view
Used before a sentence to show that you are talking only from a science and facts viewpoint, not from feelings or everyday beliefs.
Examples
- Scientifically speaking, there is no proof that this treatment works.
- Scientifically speaking, humans and chimpanzees share a common ancestor.
- The story is exciting, but scientifically speaking, it makes no sense.