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

See Examples For:

academically

Students who attended public school pre-K went on to perform better academically through high school than children who received family-based childcare, according to new research from Florida International University.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 28, 2026

Thomas Cole, an esports player nicknamed Pac who specialises in the racing game Trackmania, said universities offering unique scholarships, including esports, encourages students academically by reducing the level of financial stress they might face.

From BBC ● Aug. 23, 2026

He’s growing up after once being academically ineligible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

There was nothing wrong with the Madison, N.J., public school Ankur Jain’s 11-year-old son attended: Arjan was happy and excelling academically.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 4, 2026

Panicked, the British government took MacMillan’s prescriptions to heart and, among other reforms, proposed a series of “allisland” scholarships for academically minded students to go to private high schools.

From "Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell