scientificallyadv.
/ˌsʌɪənˈtɪfᵻkli/, U.S. /ˌsaɪənˈtɪfᵻk(ə)li/ 1. By means of demonstrative reasoning; so as to produce or provide axiomatic or certain knowledge; conclusively. Cf. scientifical adj. 1, scientific adj. 2. Now rare.In later use chiefly with reference to Aristotle (see note at the etymology of scientific adj. and n.), and coloured by sense 2a.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > attention and judgement > testing > proof, demonstration > [adverb]
provably1460
demonstratively1570
scientifically1624
declaratively1625
provedly1628
demonstrably1642
affirmably1818
probatively1869
provenly1887
1624 D. Featley Romish Fisher Caught sig. Gg2 Hee was taught in our Schools, that an effect cannot be scientifically proued or demonstrated, but by the cause.
a1688 R. Cudworth Treat. Eternal & Immutable Morality (1731) iv. iii. 227 Consider what the Subject of it is, Scientifically comprehended.
1734 J. Kirkby tr. I. Barrow Usefulness Math. Learning xv. 273 The Sides of most other regular Figures are more unknown, and scarce can be any Way exhibited scientifically.
1781 W. Austin Exam. First Six Bks. Euclid's Elements i. 6 In the Doctrine of Proportion every thing is scientifically demonstrated.
1892 J. A. Stewart Notes Nicomachean Ethics Aristotle II. vi. vi. 50 Since scientific knowledge is knowledge derived by a discursive process from necessary principles, the derivation of these principles themselves cannot be discursive: they cannot be scientifically demonstrated.
1999 R. Bodéüs in R. H. Popkin Columbia Hist. Western Philos. i. 61 Dialectic takes advantage of the truth of these commonplaces in order to establish the probability of materially different propositions, but it cannot scientifically demonstrate their certainty.
2.
a. In a scientific manner; according to scientific methods; as regards science.
ΘΚΠ
the mind > mental capacity > knowledge > branch of knowledge > systematic knowledge, science > [adverb]
physically1583
scientifically1645
scientistically1882
1645 T. Urquhart Trissotetras To Rdr. sig. A2 Wherefore, I am infallibly perswaded, that, in the estimation of scientifically disposed spirits, the Philosophers stone is but trash to this invention.
1662 J. Belson Tradidi Vobis i. iii. 71 I think Mr White..does but beat the air in requiring Gods written Word (if it be to decide) to proceed artificially or scientifically.
1734 J. Jurin Geom. No Friend to Infidelity 37 Mathematicians in committing this error, do nevertheless proceed scientifically and with their eyes open.
1796 J. Morse Amer. Universal Geogr. (new ed.) I. 217 The tortoises of the northern states are of several species but have not been scientifically designated.
1840 Brit. & Foreign Med. Rev. 10 195 The disease would be treated in this manner in the course of practice of medicine; whilst it would have been more scientifically studied in that of pathology.
1885 Law Rep.: Appeal Cases 10 227 The law upon this subject has been properly and scientifically put in a later case.
1938 C. A. Ellwood Hist. Social Philos. xvii. 274 The great majority of scientifically trained sociologists are beginning to recognize that such one-sided views of human society are inadequate.
1984 R. M. Pyle Audubon Soc. Handbk. for Butterfly Watchers iii. 26 Scientifically speaking, there is an unbroken line of nearly three hundred years of lepidopterology.
2012 N.Y. Times Mag. 28 Oct. 46/2 He tried telling Adam that other supposed cures for M.S., like bee-sting therapy and aloe infusions, fell apart when examined scientifically.
b. In extended use: systematically, methodically, meticulously.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > manner of action > care, carefulness, or attention > [adverb] > methodically
regularlyc1475
methodically1570
normally1598
systematically1646
regular1704
scientifically1764
hand over hand1824
the world > relative properties > order > [adverb] > in relation to a system > systematically
systematically1646
scientifically1764
1764 London Mag. Dec. 620/2 An honest merchant may be scientifically industrious through life.., without arriving to half the state of affluence that is obtained in a few years by the fellow who contrives any whimsical scene of fashionable resort.
1829 J. S. Blackie Let. 11 Dec. in Lett. to Wife (1909) 42 As if the golfers at St. Andrews should go down to the links..with an immense array of all sorts of clubs, and then, after having swung their drivers and cleques most scientifically in the air, should come back again without playing a single game.
1868 G. A. Sala in Notes & Queries 24 Oct. 401/1 A brace of tall silver mugs in which the ingredients of the beverage known as a ‘cocktail’..are mixed, shaken together, and then scientifically discharged.
1920 P. G. Wodehouse Little Warrior i. 32 Freddie poked the fire scientifically, and assisted it with coal.
1965 Listener 30 Dec. 1077/2 Three friends scientifically mete out to a bully the same bullying he administered to a small boy.
2009 P. Chen It takes Two 26 Their dancing is precise, each difficult step scientifically performed.
Compounds
scientifically-minded n. and adj.
ΚΠ
1872 H. Spencer in Pop. Sci. Monthly May 17 Behind the more scientifically-minded who give this answer, there are those who hold..that guidance of the kind indicated is not possible.
1927 B. Russell Anal. Matter xiv. 130 Levers and pulleys, falling bodies, collisions of billiard balls, etc., are all familiar in everyday life, and it is a pleasure to the scientifically minded youth to find them amenable to mathematical treatment.
2011 A. Chapman in R. Flood et al. Math. in Victorian Brit. ix. 203 Scientifically-minded rich men either did the scientific research themselves..or else paid professional astronomers to ‘assist’ them.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2014; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
<
adv.1624