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

James Drayton is socially gauche but academically gifted.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Jul. 24, 2026

Some of those colleges are outstanding academically, but they’re also extraordinarily expensive.

From MarketWatch ● Jul. 21, 2026

It has focused particularly on those struggling academically or considering taking a break from their studies.

From BBC ● Jul. 3, 2026

On one side of that tension, educators say their job is to prepare students academically for a complex, technology-driven society, according to the pediatrics association.

From Los Angeles Times ● Jun. 18, 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