Academic

/ˌækəˈdɛmɪk/

nounIntermediate🔥Very CommonAcademic
2 meanings2 idioms/phrases3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

A person who works in a university or college, especially in a particular department or field of study

/ˌækəˈdɛmɪk/

nounneutralIntermediate
Academic

a person who works in a university or college

The academic department is facing budget cuts.

💡 Simply: A university or college teacher or researcher

More Examples

2

She is a leading academic in her field.

How It's Used

Education

"The academic community is concerned about the recent budget cuts."

Research

"The researcher is an esteemed academic in her field."

2

Relating to education or scholarship, especially in a particular department or field of study

/ˌækəˈdɛmɪk/

adjectiveneutralBeginner
Academic

related to education or scholarship

The academic environment is very competitive.

💡 Simply: Relating to education or scholarly activities

More Examples

2

She has an academic background in physics.

How It's Used

Education

"The academic year is about to begin."

Research

"The academic journal is a prestigious publication."

Tip:Think of a school or university setting

Idioms & expressions

academic freedom

The freedom of teachers and students to express their ideas and opinions without fear of censorship or retribution

"The university is known for its strong commitment to academic freedom."

academic rigor

A high level of academic standards or expectations

"The university is known for its academic rigor and high standards."

From Latin 'academicus', derived from Greek 'ἀκαδημαϊκός' (akadēmaikos), pertaining to the Academy

The term 'academic' has been used since the 16th century to describe institutions of higher learning and the people who work or study in them.

Memory tip

Think of a scholar working in an academy

Word Origin

Original meaning

"relating to the Academy, a school of philosophy founded by Plato"

academic yearacademic freedomacademic rigor

Common misspellings

academmicacaddemicacadamic

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written