B1adjective2K

Scientific

UK /["/ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/"]/US /["/ˌsaɪənˈtɪfɪk/"]/

Definition

involving science; connected with science

In simple words: Related to science; based on experiments and facts.

Examples

  • a **scientific discovery/theory/fact**
  • **scientific research/evidence/knowledge/methods**
  • sites of scientific interest
  • a scientific journal/paper/study
  • The consensus among **the scientific community** *(= people who work in science)* is that the average world surface temperature is 1.1°F higher than 100 years ago.
  • I did my own research in the scientific literature.
  • The book lacks any sound scientific basis.
  • Her curiosity was purely scientific.
  • He took a very **scientific approach** to management.
  • We need to be more scientific about this problem.

Usage notes

Use 'scientific' mainly in academic or research contexts. Avoid in casual or personal conversations where simpler terms might be more appropriate.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'science' in the word 'scientific' as a way to remember its meaning.

Collocations

  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • highly
  • truly
  • purely
  • be
  • seem
  • sound
  • highly
  • truly
  • purely

Synonyms

  • empirical
  • experimental
  • systematic
  • technical
  • analytical

Antonyms

  • unscientific
  • irrational

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'scientific' vs 'scientist' (the person vs the adjective).
  • Using 'scientific' in non-scientific contexts where simpler words should be used.
  • Spelling mistakes, often writing 'scienctific' instead.