anecdotal
UK: ˌænɪkˈdəʊtl | US: ˌænɪkˈdoʊtl
adj. based on or consisting of personal accounts or observations rather than systematic evidence
adj. of the nature of an anecdote; short and amusing or interesting
The word "anecdotal" derives from "anecdote," which originates from the Greek "anekdota" (unpublished things), combining "an-" (not) + "ekdotos" (published). The suffix "-al" (from Latin "-alis") turns it into an adjective. Historically, anecdotes were private or secret stories, later evolving to mean brief, amusing tales. "Anecdotal" thus describes information reliant on such informal narratives rather than verified data.
The study was criticized for relying solely on anecdotal evidence.
Her report included anecdotal accounts from local residents.
Anecdotal data suggests the new policy is unpopular.
His argument was dismissed as purely anecdotal.
The article blends statistical analysis with anecdotal observations.