experiment
Definitions
A scientific test done to discover or prove something
实验；试验
A new way of doing something, tried to see if it works
尝试；试验性做法
To try out new ideas, methods, or activities
做实验；尝试
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedex- ('out') + peri ('try') + -ment (noun) = 'a trying-out.' Where experience is the trying you live through, an experiment is the trying you set up on purpose — a deliberate, repeatable test. A scientist doesn't just experience the world; she experiments on it to see what happens.
Root peri still carries 23 more wordsUsage Guide
Stress shifts between the parts of speech: the noun is ex-PER-i-ment with a clear final /ment/, while the verb experiment often weakens to ex-PER-i-m'nt. Common patterns: 'an experiment on X' (the subject tested), 'experiment with X' (the method or material tried), 'conduct/carry out an experiment.'
Example Sentences
- 1.
The students carried out an experiment to test the theory.
- 2.
Let's experiment with a different recipe this weekend.
- 3.
The whole project was an experiment that could easily have failed.