academically
Americanadverb
-
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.
-
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
Children who accumulated more screen exposure across childhood also tended to perform less well academically.
From Science Daily ● Aug. 24, 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
His parents sent him to school in England, where he excelled academically and developed an interest in theatre and writing.
From "Spooked!" by Gail Jarrow
Random Word
Spin the wheel and learn a new word!
Get a wordDefinitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
