academic
English meaning: Academic
Definition
(usually capitalized) A follower of Plato, a Platonist.
Example
“She has an outstanding academic record at the university.”
Another example: “Now that the deal has collapsed, the debate over its terms is purely academic.”
Usage — When, Where & How
As an adjective, relating to education, study or scholarship ('academic year', 'academic research'); can also mean theoretical or of no practical relevance ('the point is academic'). As a noun, a university teacher or scholar. Formal/educational register.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Latin 'academicus', from Greek 'Akademeia', the grove near Athens where Plato taught; early 17th century.
Synonyms
- pedantic
- theoretical
- scholarly
- donnish
- academician
- faculty member
Antonyms / Opposites
- practical
- vocational
Related Words
Common Collocations
- academic year
- academic research
- academic achievement
- academic record
- purely academic
- academic qualifications
Word Forms
academic (adj); academically (adv); academic (n); academia (n)
Word Tools
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B