experimental
/ɪkˌsper.ɪˈmen.təl/ IELTSAcademic
adjective
Based on trying new ideas, methods, or materials. An experimental thing is not yet fully tested or final.
- The school is using an experimental teaching method.
- This medicine is still experimental.
- They built an experimental version of the app.
Adinary Nuance
Experimental is more about testing and learning than about looking modern or unusual. It often suggests something is not final and may change after trial. Use it when the main idea is 'for an experiment' or 'still being tested,' not just 'different.'
In other languages
- Vietnamese
- thử nghiệm
- Spanish
- experimental
- Chinese
- 实验性的
- Japanese
- 実験的な
- Korean
- 실험적인
Etymology
Experimental comes from experiment, which entered English from Latin experimentum in the 1500s. The word later developed the meaning 'used for testing or trying new things.'
Common phrases
experimental designexperimental methodexperimental medicineexperimental version
Synonyms
Related words
Frequently asked questions
- Is experimental a positive word?
- It can be positive, negative, or neutral. It usually means something is new and not fully tested yet.
- What is the difference between experimental and innovative?
- Experimental means used for testing. Innovative means new and original, but not always untested.
- Can I use experimental in academic writing?
- Yes. It is common in science, research, and academic writing.
- Does experimental mean temporary?
- Not always. It means untested or trial-based, but it may become permanent later.