Origin: Latin suffix -ment
Experiment has 7 different meanings across 2 categories:
the act of conducting a controlled test or investigation
"The scientist decided to experiment by adjusting the temperature to see how it affected the plant's growth rate."
the testing of an idea
"it was an experiment in living"
"not all experimentation is done in laboratories"
A test under controlled conditions made to either demonstrate a known truth, examine the validity of a hypothesis, or determine the efficacy of something previously untried.
"The scientist carefully adjusted the temperature and pressure in the lab to run an experiment that would finally prove whether the new catalyst could double the reaction rate."
In plain English: An experiment is a test you do to see if something works or to learn how things happen.
"The scientist decided to run another experiment to see if her theory was correct."
Usage: Use "experiment" as a noun to describe a specific trial conducted to test a hypothesis or discover how something works. It refers to the actual act of testing rather than the general process of trying things out.
to conduct a test or investigation
"We are experimenting with the new drug in order to fight this disease"
try something new, as in order to gain experience
"Students experiment sexually"
"The composer experimented with a new style"
To conduct an experiment.
"The scientist decided to run a new test on the bacteria cultures tomorrow morning."
In plain English: To experiment means to try something new just to see what happens.
"We decided to experiment with different spices to find the perfect flavor for the soup."
Usage: Use the verb experiment when you are actively trying out new methods or substances to see how they work, often involving trial and error. Do not use it simply to mean testing something that is already known to be effective without further investigation.
The word "experiment" entered English from the Old French and Middle English forms of the Latin term experimentum, which originally meant "experience" or an "attempt." It derives from the verb experior, meaning to experience or try something out.