English Reference
adjective · noun

academic

adj. · n.
US /ˌækəˈdɛmɪk/ UK /ˌækədˈɛmɪk/ aca·dem·ic

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    adj.relating to schools, colleges, and universities, or the subjects studied there.

    adj.relating to an academy, college, or university, or to scholarly institutions and their activities.

    Simple

    The university offers a wide range of academic courses for international students.

    In context

    The dean emphasized that the institution's primary mission was to maintain high academic standards while fostering a diverse research environment.

  2. 02 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing something that is interesting to talk about but has no real effect on a situation.

    adj.theoretical or speculative in nature, often implying a lack of practical application or relevance to current reality.

    Simple

    The question of who would have won the game is purely academic now.

    In context

    Whether the policy would have worked in the 1990s is an academic point, as the economic landscape has shifted entirely since then.

  3. 03 B2 Upper Intermediate

    adj.describing a person who is good at learning and enjoys studying.

    adj.possessing an aptitude for or interest in scholarly study and research.

    Simple

    She was always very academic and spent most of her time in the library.

    In context

    The scholarship was designed to support academic students who might otherwise struggle to afford the tuition for a top-tier university.

    studiousscholarly
  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.a person who teaches or does research at a university or college.

    n.a member of a university or college faculty; a person engaged in professional scholarly research or teaching.

    Simple

    Many academics attended the conference to discuss the new scientific findings.

    In context

    The government consulted several leading academics before drafting the new environmental legislation to ensure the data was accurate.

Usage academic appointment · academic community · academic journals

This entry
Level B1 · Intermediate
Frequency Common
Updated