Academic Meaning and Definition

Pronunciation

/ækəˈdɛmɪk/ 🔊

Part of Speech

Noun

Definition

A person engaged in research, teaching, and scholarship in a specific field of study, typically at a university or college.

Examples

• The academic community is concerned about climate change.
• She is an academic in the field of linguistics.

Synonyms

• Scholar
• Researcher

Antonyms

• Non-academic
• Layperson

Additional Information

Academics often spend years studying and earning advanced degrees in their field of expertise. They may work in universities, colleges, or research institutions, and are responsible for conducting research, teaching students, and publishing their findings. Many academics also participate in conferences, workshops, and seminars to share their knowledge and stay updated on the latest developments in their field.

In addition to their research and teaching duties, academics may also be involved in administrative tasks, such as departmental leadership or committee work. They may also engage in public outreach and media appearances to share their expertise with a broader audience.

Etymology

The word “academic” comes from the Latin “academia,” meaning “garden” or “grove,” which was the name of the philosophical school founded by Plato in ancient Greece.

Usage Notes

In formal and informal contexts, “academic” can refer to a person with a high level of education or expertise in a particular field.

Cultural References

In popular culture, academics are often portrayed as absent-minded, introverted, and slightly eccentric characters, as seen in movies and TV shows such as “The Nutty Professor” and “Community.”

Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases

• In an academic sense
• Academic freedom

Related Words or Phrases

• Scholarly
• Academician

Collocations

• Academic research
• Academic community

Frequency of Use

The word “academic” is commonly used in educational and professional settings, and is often used in media and public discourse to refer to experts or specialists in a particular field.

Common Misspellings

• Acedemic
• Acadimic