In a way that involves testing ideas or methods to discover what happens, rather than just using theory or routine.
From experimental (adjective) + -ally (adverbial suffix). Experimental comes from Latin experimentum (trial, test) from experiri (to try). The -ally suffix transforms adjectives into adverbs describing manner.
Scientists use this word constantly—it marks the difference between armchair theorizing and actual discovery. When something is done 'experimentally,' you're watching the scientific method in action, which is how we went from thinking atoms were indivisible to building quantum computers!
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