Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun

Pronunciation

/ˌakəˈdɛmɪk/

Definitions

1. Relating to education, scholarship, or learning.
2. Concerned with formal study and the intellectual aspects of education, as opposed to practical or vocational training.
3. A scholar or teacher at an institution of higher learning (e.g., a university professor).

Usage Examples

• "She has an academic background in philosophy and psychology."
• "His academic achievements earned him a scholarship to a prestigious university."

Etymology

The word 'academic' comes from the Latin 'academicus', meaning 'pertaining to the Academy', from the Greek 'Akadēmia', the name of the garden where Plato taught philosophy in ancient Athens.

Synonyms

• Scholarly
• Intellectual
• Educated
• Learned
• Pedagogical

Antonyms

• Practical
• Vocational
• Non-academic
• Uneducated
• Unintellectual

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

Pronunciation of 'academic' may vary slightly across different English-speaking regions. In British English, it is pronounced as /ˌakəˈdɛmɪk/, while in some American accents, the emphasis may be slightly different, but it generally remains the same.

Historical Usage

The term 'academic' has been used since the 16th century, referring to the school of Plato in ancient Greece. Over time, it evolved to refer broadly to the educational and scholarly pursuits associated with formal education, especially within universities and academic institutions.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the term 'academic' is associated with prestige, intellectualism, and a path toward high social standing. However, in other cultures, the academic route may be seen as detached from practical work or entrepreneurship, which can lead to a cultural divide between formal education and real-world application.

More Information

Academics are integral to the growth of society, contributing to fields like science, literature, philosophy, and technology. As the world continues to evolve, so too does the concept of academia, with new fields of study emerging in response to global challenges like climate change, technology, and social justice. Despite challenges, academia remains a vital component of intellectual and cultural development worldwide.