Academic vs. Academical — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 23, 2023
"Academic" refers to educational or scholarly activities, while "academical" is an older, less common form with similar meaning.
Difference Between Academic and Academical
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
"Academic" and "academical" both relate to the realm of education, institutions of learning, or scholarly pursuits. However, "academic" is the more widely accepted and contemporary term used in modern English. Whether talking about "academic journals" or "academic excellence," this term has become ubiquitous in discussions about education and scholarship.
"Academical," on the other hand, is a somewhat archaic and less frequent variant. Historically, both terms have been used interchangeably, but over time, "academic" has become the preferred choice for most contexts. The choice between them often boils down to stylistic preference or regional variations.
Moreover, "academic" is not only used to describe institutions and scholarly work, but also to highlight theoretical work as opposed to practical applications. When someone mentions "an academic exercise," they might be referring to a theoretical exploration without immediate practical implications.
Contrarily, "academical" might evoke a sense of formality or old-fashioned style, given its longer and less common structure. Yet, it's essential to remember that using "academical" is not incorrect. It's simply less common in contemporary speech and writing.
Comparison Chart
Frequency of Use
Common
Less common
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Meaning
Pertaining to education or scholarship
Pertaining to education or scholarship
Stylistic Impression
Modern, widely accepted
Older, more formal
Usage in Phrases
"Academic achievement"
Rarely used in popular phrases
Form
Shorter form
Longer, more antiquated form
Compare with Definitions
Academic
Theoretical or hypothetical.
It's an academic question at this point.
Academical
Relating to academic customs or traditions.
Wearing robes is an academical tradition.
Academic
Not practical or directly useful.
The idea is purely academic now.
Academical
Scholarly, relating to the pursuit of knowledge.
He had an academical approach to the topic.
Academic
Relating to an educational institution.
She received an academic award from her university.
Academical
Of or relating to theoretical knowledge.
His interests were purely academical.
Academic
Of or relating to institutionalized education and scholarship, especially at a college or university.
Academical
Pertaining to an academy or institution of learning.
The dress was considered academical attire.
Academic
Of or relating to studies that rely on reading and involve abstract thought rather than being primarily practical or technical.
Academical
An archaic variant of "academic."
His writings have an academical tone.
Academic
Relating to scholarly performance
A student's academic average.
Academical
"Academical" is a an archaic and less frequent variant of academic.
Academic
Academic Of or relating to the conservative style of art promoted by an official academy, especially the Académie des Beaux Arts in France in the nineteenth century.
Academic
Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed, unengaging, or theoretical
Dismissed the article as a dry, academic exercise.
Academic
Having no important consequence or relevancy
The debate about who is to blame has become academic because the business has left town.
Academic
A faculty member or scholar at an institution of higher learning, such as a university.
Academic
One who has an academic viewpoint or a scholarly background.
Academic
Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato
The academic sect or philosophy
Academic
Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.
Academic
In particular: relating to literary, classical, or artistic studies like the humanities, rather than to technical or vocational studies like engineering or welding.
Academic
Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed and unengaging, or by being theoretical and speculative with no practical importance.
I have always had an academic interest in hacking.
The distinction is 'academic; an academic question
Academic
Having a love of or aptitude for learning.
I'm more academic than athletic — I get lower marks in phys. ed. than in anything else.
Academic
(art) Conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional; formalistic.
Academic
Subscribing to the architectural standards of Vitruvius.
Academic
So scholarly as to be unaware of the outside world; lacking in worldliness; inexperienced in practical matters.
Academic
A follower of Plato, a Platonist.
Academic
A senior member of an academy, college, or university; a person who attends an academy; a person engaged in scholarly pursuits; one who is academic in practice.
Academic
A member of the Academy; an academician.
Academic
(archaic) A student in a college.
Academic
(pluralonly) Academic dress; academicals.
Academic
(pluralonly) Academic studies.
Academic
Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato; as, the Academic sect or philosophy.
Academic
Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning; scholarly; literary or classical, in distinction from scientific.
Academic
One holding the philosophy of Socrates and Plato; a Platonist.
Academic
A member of an academy, college, or university; an academician.
Academic
An educator who works at a college or university
Academic
Associated with academia or an academy;
The academic curriculum
Academic gowns
Academic
Hypothetical or theoretical and not expected to produce an immediate or practical result;
An academic discussion
An academic question
Academic
Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects
Academic
Relating to education and scholarship.
He excelled in his academic pursuits.
Academic
A member of an institution of learning.
As an academic, she constantly conducts research.
Common Curiosities
Why might someone choose "academical" over "academic"?
Possibly for stylistic or formal reasons, or to evoke an older sense of style.
How is "academic" used in the context of a debate?
An "academic" debate might mean a theoretical discussion with no practical implications.
Can I use "academical" and "academic" interchangeably?
Generally, yes, but "academic" is more widely accepted and understood.
Which is shorter, "academic" or "academical"?
"Academic" is shorter.
Can "academic" refer to something theoretical?
Yes, it can describe something that's theoretical rather than practical.
Are there any specific phrases where "academical" is preferred?
Not particularly; "academic" is more prevalent in most phrases.
Is "academic" used more in American or British English?
"Academic" is commonly used in both, while "academical" is less frequent in both varieties.
Is "academical" still used in modern English?
Yes, but it's less common than "academic."
How do the words relate to education?
Both relate to scholarly pursuits, institutions of learning, or the realm of education.
Are "academic" and "academical" identical in meaning?
Essentially, yes, though "academical" might sound more antiquated.
Is "academical" used in any specific contexts or regions?
It's generally seen as archaic or formal and is not tied to specific regions.
Is "academical" incorrect to use?
No, it's not incorrect; it's just less common.
Why has "academic" become more common than "academical"?
Language tends to simplify over time, and shorter forms often become preferable for ease of use.
Can "academical" sound more formal than "academic"?
Yes, it can evoke a more formal or old-fashioned tone.
Can "academic" also refer to a person?
Yes, it can refer to someone affiliated with an educational institution.
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Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
