B1adjectiveformal2K

Academic

UK /["/ˌækəˈdemɪk/"]/US /["/ˌækəˈdemɪk/"]/

Definition

connected with education, especially studying in schools and universities

In simple words: Related to school or education, especially formal study.

Examples

She decided to pursue an academic career after graduating from university.
The academic standards at this institution are very high.
He wrote an academic paper that was published in a reputable journal.
The academic community is always looking for new research opportunities.
Her academic achievements earned her a scholarship.
Many students find the academic pressure difficult to manage.
The school's academic programs are designed to prepare students for college.
He attended various academic conferences to network with other scholars.

Usage notes

Use 'academic' in formal contexts, like essays or discussions about education. It may not fit well in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

academic + subject/object

Memory hint

Think of 'academy' to remember 'academic' - they both relate to education.

Collocations

be
become
merely
purely
strictly
be
become
merely
purely
strictly

Synonyms

scholarly
educational
formal
intellectual
collegiate

Antonyms

unacademic
non-educational

Common mistakes

Confused with 'academic' vs 'academical' - they can be used interchangeably but 'academic' is more common.
'Academic' is often mistakenly used as a noun instead of an adjective.