Science
'saɪəns
Definitions
2 meaningsThe pursuit and application of knowledge and understanding of the natural and physical world, based on systematic methodology.
'saɪəns
The systematic study of the structure and behavior of the physical and natural world through observation and experiment.
Science has made incredible advances in medicine.
💡 Simply: Science is like being a detective for the world! It's about using experiments and observations to figure out how things work, like why the sky is blue or how plants grow.
👶 For kids: Science is learning about the world by asking questions and doing experiments!
More Examples
He has a passion for science and technology.
The scientific method is a crucial aspect of science.
How It's Used
"Science aims to understand the universe."
"She is studying science at university."
A specific area or branch of study that deals with a particular body of knowledge.
'saɪəns
A particular branch of scientific study.
He is pursuing a degree in computer science.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, 'science' can mean a special kind of investigation. Like computer science which is about computers or biology which studies living things.
👶 For kids: Science can also be a special kind of study, like learning all about stars or bugs!
More Examples
She is fascinated by the science of marine biology.
The university has a strong faculty in political science.
How It's Used
"She specializes in the science of astrophysics."
"My university offers a strong program in computer science."
Synonyms & Antonyms
From Latin *scientia* ('knowledge'), derived from the verb *scire* ('to know'). Historically, it encompassed any systematized body of knowledge, but over time, it narrowed to focus on empirical investigation and the natural world.
Historically, 'science' encompassed a broader scope of organized knowledge; this is reflected in some older uses where 'social science' was categorized alongside the natural sciences.
Memory tip
Think of 'scientists' systematically exploring and experimenting in the lab.
Word Origin
"knowledge"