C1noun2K

Academy

UK /["/əˈkædəmi/"]/US /["/əˈkædəmi/"]/

Definition

a school or college for special training

In simple words: A place for learning or training.

Examples

  • She trained at the Royal Academy of Music.
  • a **police/military academy**
  • He later studied at the Royal Academy.
  • He specialized in naval history at the Naval Academy.
  • He's a cadet at the Royal Military Academy, Sandhurst.
  • the Royal Academy of Arts
  • He went to Ayr Academy.

Usage notes

Used when referring to educational institutions, especially those focused on specific subjects or skills. Not typically used in informal contexts.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Imagine an 'A' at the front of a building where students learn and train.

Collocations

  • military
  • naval
  • police
  • attend
  • be at
  • enter
  • at an/​the academy

Synonyms

  • institution
  • school
  • college
  • training center
  • university

Antonyms

  • noninstitution
  • informality

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'academy' vs 'academic'
  • Using 'academy' in a casual conversation about school
  • Incorrectly capitalizing 'academy' when not part of a specific name