academically
adverb
ac·a·dem·i·cal·ly
ˌa-kə-ˈde-mi-k(ə-)lē
: in an academic way: such as
a
: with regard to formal studies or academics
doing well academically
academically advanced students
And it has made them more appealing to colleges, which have grown more welcoming as they find that homeschoolers do fine academically.—Linda Perlstein
… fans and coaches at academically elite institutions would say that, yes, they were handicapped by stricter admissions policies, but in the long run, brains win out over brawn.—Mark Bechtel
b
: in a theoretical or speculative way without practical application
That scheme for bottling beer is interesting—but only academically. Down here, we don't bottle it, but drink it.—H. L. Mencken
c
: in a way that conforms to the tradition or rules of a school (as of literature or art)
The big problems arise with his paintings as artworks. His audacity with the brush is vitiated by academically fussy composition.—Peter Schjeldahl
Cite this Entry
“Academically.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/academically. Accessed 1 Sep. 2026.
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