Academic vs. Academician — What's the Difference?
By Urooj Arif & Fiza Rafique — Updated on March 18, 2024
"Academic" refers to anything related to education, scholarship, or learning institutions, whereas "academician" specifically denotes a member or fellow of an academic institution or learned society.
Difference Between Academic and Academician
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Academic is an adjective describing aspects related to education, scholarship, schools, colleges, and universities. It encompasses a wide range of topics, including academic research, studies, and disciplines. On the other hand, academician is a noun that identifies an individual who is a distinguished member of an academic institution or society, often recognized for significant contributions to their field of study.
While "academic" can be used broadly to refer to anything pertaining to the realm of education or scholarly activities, "academician" is much more specific, highlighting the status or role of a person within the academic community. This distinction is crucial in understanding the contribution of individuals versus the broader educational or scholarly context.
The term "academic" can apply to environments, activities, and achievements within education and research, indicating a connection to learning, intellectual development, or scholarly pursuits. Conversely, an academician is someone deeply embedded in these environments, contributing through research, teaching, or participation in scholarly bodies.
"Academic" also serves as a noun, referring to a person involved in scholarly work, but it is a more inclusive term than "academician." Academicians are typically associated with higher levels of achievement or membership in esteemed academic organizations, while "academic" can refer to anyone engaged in education or research, including students, teachers, and researchers without distinction.
While "academic" captures the broad scope of education and scholarship, "academician" zooms in on individuals recognized for their scholarly excellence and contributions within the academic world.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Pertaining to education, scholarship, or institutions.
A member of an academic institution or society.
Usage
Adjective and noun describing scholarly activities.
Noun denoting a distinguished individual.
Scope
Broad, encompassing all aspects of education.
Specific, focusing on the status of an individual.
Application
Can refer to environments, achievements, or persons.
Specifically refers to persons with achievements.
Inclusivity
Includes all involved in education and research.
Reserved for those with notable contributions.
Compare with Definitions
Academic
A person engaged in education or research.
As an academic, he spends a lot of time in the library.
Academician
A distinguished scholar in an academic institution.
The academicians will review the research proposal.
Academic
Related to scholarly work or studies.
She pursued her academic interests at the university.
Academician
Associated with academic excellence.
The university honored its academicians at the annual gala.
Academic
Describing educational institutions.
The academic calendar is published every spring.
Academician
Engaged in advanced teaching or research.
Academicians often publish extensively in their field.
Academic
Involving theoretical or intellectual concepts.
His approach was too academic for practical application.
Academician
Recognized for significant contributions to a field.
The academician received an award for her work in linguistics.
Academic
Concerning the principles of a subject.
They engaged in an academic discussion on philosophy.
Academician
A member of a learned society.
As an academician, she attended exclusive scientific conferences.
Academic
Of or relating to institutionalized education and scholarship, especially at a college or university.
Academician
An academician is a full member of an artistic, literary, engineering, or scientific academy. In many countries, it is an honorific title used to denote a full member of an academy that has a strong influence on national scientific life.
Academic
Of or relating to studies that rely on reading and involve abstract thought rather than being primarily practical or technical.
Academician
An academic.
Academic
Relating to scholarly performance
A student's academic average.
Academician
A member of an art, literary, or scientific academy or society.
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.
Academician
A member (especially a senior one) of the faculty at a college or university; an academic.
Academic
Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed, unengaging, or theoretical
Dismissed the article as a dry, academic exercise.
Academician
A member or follower of an academy, or society for promoting science, art, or literature, such as the French Academy, or the Royal Academy of Arts.
Academic
Having no important consequence or relevancy
The debate about who is to blame has become academic because the business has left town.
Academician
A member of an academy, or society for promoting science, art, or literature, as of the French Academy, or the Royal Academy of arts.
Academic
A faculty member or scholar at an institution of higher learning, such as a university.
Academician
A collegian.
Academic
One who has an academic viewpoint or a scholarly background.
Academician
Someone elected to honorary membership in an academy
Academic
Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato
The academic sect or philosophy
Academician
A scholar who is skilled in academic disputation
Academic
Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.
Academician
An educator who works at a college or university
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
Common Curiosities
Is "academic" only used to describe people?
No, "academic" can describe anything related to education or scholarship, including institutions, activities, and concepts, as well as people engaged in scholarly work.
How do you become an academician?
Becoming an academician often involves significant contributions to research or scholarship, recognition by peers, and sometimes formal election to a learned society or academy.
What does "academic" mean?
"Academic" refers to anything related to education, scholarship, or institutions of learning, including activities, environments, or people engaged in scholarly work.
Who is an academician?
An academician is a distinguished member of an academic institution or learned society, recognized for their contributions to a particular field of study.
What’s the difference between an academic and a professor?
While all professors are academics involved in higher education and research, not all academics are professors. "Professor" is a specific academic rank, whereas "academic" is a broader term.
How does the academic community benefit from academicians?
The academic community benefits from academicians through their leadership in research, education, and the development of new scholars.
Can an academic be an academician?
Yes, an academic engaged in significant scholarly work can be recognized as an academician, especially if they are part of a learned society or institution.
Can the term "academic" be negative?
Sometimes, "academic" may be used to imply impracticality or an overly theoretical approach, as in "an academic argument."
What impact do academicians have on society?
Academicians influence society by advancing knowledge, shaping educational practices, and contributing to policy and innovation through research.
Are all academicians professors?
Not necessarily. While many academicians are professors, the term can also include researchers and scholars at various levels of their academic careers who are members of academic societies.
What roles do academicians play in academia?
Academicians contribute to academia through research, teaching, and participation in scholarly communities, often guiding intellectual discourse and innovation.
What makes academic work different from other types of work?
Academic work is characterized by its focus on generating new knowledge, its basis in research and evidence, and its contribution to scholarly discussions.
What distinguishes academic institutions from other educational institutions?
Academic institutions are distinguished by their focus on research, higher education, and the production of scholarly work, as opposed to solely providing basic education or vocational training.
Is membership in an academic society required to be an academician?
While not always required, membership in an academic society is a common feature among academicians, recognizing their scholarly achievements.
How does one's work become recognized as academic?
Work is recognized as academic when it contributes to scholarly knowledge, adheres to research methodologies, and is peer-reviewed or presented in academic forums.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
