academically

[ ak-uh-dem-ik-lee ]

adverb

1. in a way that relates to studies at a college, academy, school, or other educational institution:

   Our caring teaching staff are committed to helping each child develop as a whole person—academically, physically, socially, and emotionally.

2. in a way that pertains to areas of study that are not primarily applied, such as the humanities or pure mathematics, or to instruction that is theoretical rather than hands-on:

   It’s possible to be academically prepared while also having a good concentration in career and technical education.

   I have studied art both academically in college and through a subsequent apprenticeship with an artist.

3. in a way that is purely theoretical or hypothetical rather than practical, realistic, or directly useful:

   While many theologians write academically and very dryly, this author sets before us a rich feast for both heart and mind.

4. in a way that conforms to set rules, standards, or traditions; conventionally:

   Today it is almost a crime to paint academically or realistically, so few art study programs contribute much to the solid foundation required to be a professional artist.

Other Words From

• in·ter·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• non·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• pseu·do·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• qua·si-ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• sem·i·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• sub·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb
• un·ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of academically¹

First recorded in 1600–10; either academical ( def ) + -ly ( def ) or academic ( def ) + -ally ( def )

Example Sentences

He made it through 10 weeks of report cards academically eligible.

From Los Angeles Times

But they have widely neglected one major group of students with special needs: the academically gifted.

From Los Angeles Times

The San Francisco school district dropped the merit-based application process for an academically elite public school during the pandemic, with opponents of the process arguing it was racist against Black and brown students.

From Los Angeles Times

Many people online were encouraged by Jiang's results, seeing them as proof that students from vocational institutes could still excel academically.

From BBC

Founded in 1867 and nicknamed The Mecca, Howard is one of the largest, and most academically rigorous, historically black universities in the country.

From BBC