academically

American  

[ak-uh-dem-ik-lee] / ˌæk əˈdɛm ɪk li /

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.

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Other Word Forms

• interacademically adverb
• nonacademically adverb
• pseudoacademically adverb
• quasi-academically adverb
• semiacademically adverb
• subacademically adverb
• unacademically adverb

Etymology

Origin of academically

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

Example Sentences

He said: "Harrison Carter and George Stephenson were generous, warm-hearted and academically capable boys who enriched the lives of those around them."

From BBC • Mar. 13, 2026

I fell in with a nerdy set—a small group of academically minded boys who carried their books in briefcases.

From The Wall Street Journal • Feb. 19, 2026

He isn’t an academically trained economist, but that’s not necessarily a disqualification.

From Los Angeles Times • Feb. 3, 2026

"My eldest daughter, who's now 15, was academically very bright and also sporty – she played cricket at Essex county level," says Harbinder, from Redbridge in north-east London.

From BBC • Feb. 1, 2026

He shouldn’t apply directly to the computing school; he should enroll as a liberal arts undergraduate, and take some of the courses necessary to compete academically with the other computing applicants, then transfer.

From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz