academically
Americanadverb
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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.
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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.
-
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.
-
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.
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of academically
First recorded in 1600–10; either academical ( def. ) + -ly ( def. ) or academic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
He called the neutral rate useful academically but said it had no “operational effect on decisions that we make today.”
From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 17, 2026
He said before joining Christine Meek's class aged eight, school was a "challenging place" and that he was academically two years behind his peers.
From BBC ● Sep. 9, 2026
Without that piece of information, adults and kids alike may not understand why a child who excels academically struggles with seemingly simpler tasks.
From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 26, 2026
Children who accumulated more screen exposure across childhood also tended to perform less well academically.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 2026
Namely, why would one of the country’s most academically challenging universities accept me, an applicant whose GPA is probably lower than most, when so many better qualified candidates—at least on paper—have been turned away?
From "Geeks: How Two Lost Boys Rode the Internet Out of Idaho" by Jon Katz
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Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
