What does anecdotally mean Meaning and Definition
What does anecdotally mean
Pronunciation
/ˈænɪkˈdɒtəli/
Part of Speech
Adverb
Definition
Relating to or based on personal experiences, observations, or stories, rather than on scientific evidence or systematic research.
Examples
- He claimed that the new diet worked, anecdotally speaking, but there was no scientific proof.
- The doctor relied on anecdotal evidence to support her theory.
Synonyms
- Informally
- Personally
- Subjectively
Antonyms
- Scientifically
- Objectively
- Empirically
Additional Information
Anecdotal evidence is often used in everyday conversation to illustrate a point or to make a claim, but it is not considered reliable or sufficient in scientific or academic contexts. Anecdotally speaking, many people claim that a certain product or treatment has worked for them, but without rigorous testing and data analysis, these claims are not verifiable.
However, anecdotal evidence can be valuable in certain situations, such as in medical research, where patient stories and experiences can provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of new treatments. It can also be useful in identifying potential areas of investigation that may have been overlooked by more systematic approaches.
When using anecdotal evidence, it is essential to be aware of its limitations and to avoid generalizing from individual experiences to broader populations. Anecdotal evidence should be used in conjunction with more systematic and rigorous research methods to provide a more comprehensive understanding of a particular phenomenon.
Eymology
The word “anecdotally” comes from the Greek word “anekdotos,” meaning “unpublished” or “unpublished story.” The term has been used in English since the 17th century to describe stories or accounts that are not formally published or recognized.
Usage Notes
Anecdotally is often used in formal and informal contexts to describe personal experiences or stories that are not based on scientific evidence. It can be used in writing and speaking to add nuance and interest to a narrative, but it should be used judiciously and with awareness of its limitations.
Cultural References
Anecdotally has been used in popular culture to describe personal experiences and stories. For example, in the TV show “The Office,” the character of Michael Scott often uses anecdotal evidence to support his claims, despite the lack of scientific evidence.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
- “Anecdotally speaking,” meaning “based on personal experience or stories.”
- “From an anecdotal perspective,” meaning “from a personal or experiential viewpoint.”
Related Words or Phrases
- Experiential
- Personal
- Subjective
Collocations
- Anecdotally speaking
- From an anecdotal perspective
- Anecdotally supported
Frequency of Use
Anecdotally is a moderately common word in modern language, particularly in formal and informal contexts where personal experiences and stories are shared.
Common Misspellings
- Anecdotaly
- Anecdottally
- Annecdotaly