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 began a bachelor’s program, thinking it might help, but struggled academically and left early with $60,000 in student debt.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 21, 2026

Given the same kind of honest and open assessment of their prospects that youngsters get academically would give parents and players the information to decide whether to stay in the academy set-up or leave.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 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

The emergence of BlackRock's Rick Rieder as a Federal Reserve frontrunner means the US central bank could be led by a financial markets master less academically credentialed than other recent chairs.

From Barron's • Jan. 26, 2026

What this means is that the students—and parents—who choose to opt out tend to be smarter and more academically motivated to begin with.

From "Freakonomics: A Rogue Economist Explores the Hidden Side of Everything" by Steven D. Levitt