academic

Related to studying, teaching, or research, especially at a school or university.

• The academic year begins in September.
• Her academic work focuses on local history.
• Students receive help with academic writing.

Similar words: educational, scholarly

Common phrases: academic year, academic research, academic success

Based on ideas rather than real situations, or having no practical effect.

• The question is now academic.
• Her interest in the case was purely academic.
• Without funding, our debate about the design became academic.

Similar words: theoretical, abstract

Opposites: practical

Common phrases: purely academic, academic question, academic interest

Related to the ancient Greek thinker Plato or the school that followed his ideas.

• The lecture explored academic philosophy in ancient Greece.
• He compared academic ideas with those of Aristotle.
• Academic thinkers continued debating Plato’s teachings after his death.

Similar words: Platonic

Common phrases: academic philosophy, academic school, academic tradition

Someone who teaches or does research at a university.

• She is an academic at a local university.
• Several academics spoke at the conference.
• The book was written by a respected academic.

Similar words: scholar, university teacher, researcher

Common phrases: leading academic, university academic, respected academic

The learning and studying part of school life, usually called academics.

• Academics are her main priority at school.
• He balances academics with football practice.
• The school is known for strong academics.

Similar words: schoolwork, studies

Common phrases: school academics, strong academics

A person who belongs to a college or academy, or spends time on serious study.

• The academy welcomed a distinguished academic.
• Each senior academic had a seat at the ceremony.
• He lived quietly as an academic devoted to ancient texts.

Similar words: scholar

Common phrases: learned academic, senior academic, academic of distinction