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

In Los Angeles, he immediately confronted a school district in which many students had long struggled to achieve and were further set back, academically and emotionally, by the COVID-19 pandemic.

From Los Angeles Times

I fell in with a nerdy set—a small group of academically minded boys who carried their books in briefcases.

From The Wall Street Journal

This suggests that many college students aren’t academically prepared or even inclined.

From The Wall Street Journal

"I had friends and things. I always did well academically," she remembers.

From BBC

He isn’t an academically trained economist, but that’s not necessarily a disqualification.

From Los Angeles Times