experiment (up)on (someone or something)
To perform tests on someone or something in order to gain insight and data about it. We got approval to start experimenting on mice, so we can see how the procedure affects their islet cells. No way, I could never experiment on animals! We're not real scientists, so why do we have to experiment on a frog for Bio class? So gross.
experiment in (something)
To test or do research in a particular subject or area. My sister is experimenting in astrophysics and has done some very fascinating research. I've always wanted to experiment in genetics and learn even more about the information coded into our DNA. I wish I could experiment in space travel. I mean, what kid didn't want to be an astronaut at some point in their childhood?
experiment with (something)
1. Literally, to use something as a component in research or tests. We got approval to start experimenting with this new procedure on mice, so we can see how the procedure affects their islet cells. Sure, it's a compelling hypothesis, but I think you need to experiment with it some more. We're not real scientists, so why do we have to experiment with a frog for Bio class? So gross.
2. By extension, to try doing or using something new. I'm experimenting with basil tonight, even though I don't usually include it in this recipe. I just don't like the synth-heavy sound the band's experimenting with on this album. Honestly, I've never had any desire to experiment with drugs and alcohol.
thought experiment
An imagined or hypothetical sequence of events and their consequences, used to illustrate or investigate a hypothesis or theory to its logical conclusion. My professor led us through a fun thought experiment today about how many rocket engines and how much rocket fuel would be needed to push the earth out of its gravitational rotation. Thought experiments like the trolley car problem are very useful when thinking about and discussing philosophical questions about morality.
Farlex Dictionary of Idioms. © 2024 Farlex, Inc, all rights reserved.
experiment in something
to conduct research or experiments about something. The research group is experimenting in the field of biomechanics. We want to experiment in thermodynamics.
experiment (up)on someone or something
to use someone or something as the subject of an experiment. (Upon is formal and less commonly used than on.) Do you think we should experiment upon people? The researchers were experimenting on a new drug that might cure rabies.
experiment with someone or something
to try different experiments on someone or something; to use different people or things as key variables in an experiment. They are supposed to be experimenting with new drugs. We no longer experiment with animals.
McGraw-Hill Dictionary of American Idioms and Phrasal Verbs. © 2002 by The McGraw-Hill Companies, Inc.