1
Core quality
Based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
Example
Support for the remedy remains largely anecdotal.
anecdotal
/ˌænɪkˈdəʊtəl/ · an-ik-DOH-tuladjective
Based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
Use anecdotal to express this relationship precisely: based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
What anecdotal Really Means
The word becomes easier to use when its closely related senses are separated and compared.
2
Attributive or predicative use
Use this adjective before a suitable noun or after a linking verb such as be or seem.
Example
Anecdotal reports can suggest questions but cannot establish prevalence.
3
Analytical distinction
Choose it when this exact descriptive quality matters; a related word may overlap without conveying the same trait.
Example
The article combines survey data with anecdotal evidence.
Use anecdotal Naturally
Notice how the surrounding noun or clause reveals the exact shade of meaning.
Support for the remedy remains largely anecdotal.
Anecdotal reports can suggest questions but cannot establish prevalence.
The article combines survey data with anecdotal evidence.
Precision Matters
Anecdotal overlaps with several common words, but each carries a different emphasis.
anecdotal
vs.Means based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
subjective
Means influenced by personal feelings, tastes, experiences, or opinions rather than wholly objective evidence.
anecdotal
vs.Means based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
objective
Means based on observable facts and not unduly influenced by personal feelings, preferences, or bias.
anecdotal
vs.Means based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
scrutiny
Means close, careful, and often critical examination.
anecdotal
vs.Means based on personal stories or isolated examples rather than systematic evidence or research.
cite
Means quote, mention, or refer to a source or example as evidence or support.
Test anecdotal in Context
The support comes from personal accounts, not systematic research.
1
The claim relies on ___ testimony from three individuals rather than a representative study.