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academic

ak-uh-DEM-ik /ˌæk.əˈdɛm.ɪk/

adjectivenounB1TOEFLIELTSSATACTGRE

general

Relating to education, scholar study, or universities; or theoretical rather than practical.

Relates broadly to scholarly education, but can secondary imply theoretical ideas without immediate practical effect.

The story behind the word. Traces back to Akadēmeia, an olive grove outside ancient Athens named after the legendary hero Akademos. Plato established his philosophy school in this sanctuary around 387 BCE, forever linking the hero's name to higher learning.

Word relationships

scholarly: Scholarly highlights deep intellectual research, whereas academic relates broadly to educational institutions or formal coursework.

practical: Practical relates to hands-on application, whereas academic relates to formal schooling or theoretical analysis.

Commonly confused with

vocational: Vocational focuses on training for specific trades, while academic focuses on general theoretical and intellectual education.

Word family

academy (noun): A place of study or secondary school.
academically (adverb): In a manner relating to education or scholarship.

Collocations

academic achievement
academic regalia
academic year

Idioms & expressions

an academic point

Example sentences

"The university celebrated the start of the new academic year with a vibrant ceremony." School year start
"Whether we study ancient Greek or Latin is an academic question with little impact on daily modern commerce." Theoretical debate

Memory hook

Plato taught in the ACADEMY grove! Plato's grove of learning.

When not to use

Do not use to describe purely practical hands-on trade work.

Fun facts

Plato's Academy operated continuously for over 900 years until Byzantine Emperor Justinian closed it in 529 CE.

Related words

commencement, diploma, alumni

Explore more words

vocational, intellectual, practical, technical, scholarship, clinical