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

He’s growing up after once being academically ineligible.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 9, 2026

Adrian, who is older than Ainsley by a minute, said the competition helped push him academically.

From BBC ● Jul. 19, 2026

Education Freedom Accounts show results both academically and financially.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 12, 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