Academic vs. Scholastic — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 11, 2024
Academic focuses on broader educational and intellectual pursuits, often at the university level. Scholastic is more associated with schools and education, particularly in relation to learning and scholarly activities.
Difference Between Academic and Scholastic
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Academic pursuits encompass a wide range of disciplines and studies at the university level, aiming to expand knowledge and foster critical thinking. Scholastic, on the other hand, is traditionally linked to schools and the principles of learning and teaching, often emphasizing the process and methodologies of education.
Academic institutions are recognized for their research and development contributions, offering advanced degrees and fostering an environment for scholarly inquiry. Scholastic activities, while educational, are more closely associated with the structured learning and curriculum found in primary and secondary schools.
In the context of achievements and accolades, academic accolades are typically awarded for contributions to the body of knowledge and research excellence. Scholastic achievements, however, are often awarded for excellence in school-based activities, including academic and extracurricular success.
The term "academic" is also used to describe theoretical or speculative ideas that may not have practical applications. Scholastic, in contrast, implies a more practical, educational approach, focusing on imparting knowledge and skills that are directly applicable in academic settings.
Despite these differences, both academic and scholastic activities share the goal of promoting learning and intellectual development. They cater to different stages of education and focus but ultimately contribute to the cultivation of knowledge and critical thinking skills.
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Comparison Chart
Level of Education
University and higher education level.
Primary and secondary school level.
Focus
Research, theory, and broad intellectual pursuits.
Structured learning, teaching methodologies, and curriculum.
Achievements
Advanced degrees, publications, and research contributions.
School awards, academic and extracurricular success.
Application
Theoretical, often with less immediate practical application.
Practical educational approach with direct application in schools.
Primary Association
Universities, colleges, and academic institutions.
Schools, educational principles, and learning processes.
Compare with Definitions
Academic
Denoting ideas or theories that have scholarly interest but are of little practical value.
The debate, while academically stimulating, had little relevance to everyday life.
Scholastic
Pertaining to the academic or scholarly aspects of school work.
Her scholastic interests lean towards history and literature.
Academic
Pertaining to education, scholarly activities, or academia, especially at the college or university level.
She pursued academic interests in both mathematics and philosophy during her university years.
Scholastic
Relating to educational books, materials, or approaches.
The company specializes in producing scholastic materials for elementary schools.
Academic
Relating to an educational institution or environment.
The academic calendar dictates the schedule of courses and exams.
Scholastic
Of or relating to schools, education, and learning, especially at a primary and secondary level.
The scholastic achievements of the students were celebrated at the annual award ceremony.
Academic
Theoretical or speculative without a direct application to practical action.
His academic work on social dynamics has yet to be applied in real-world scenarios.
Scholastic
Associated with the philosophical methods of scholasticism, especially in the Middle Ages.
Scholastic thought played a crucial role in the development of medieval European philosophy.
Academic
Concerned with the pursuit of research, education, and scholarship.
He has an impressive academic record, with several published articles to his name.
Scholastic
Emphasizing structured and systematic learning processes.
His approach to study is very scholastic, focusing on discipline and organization.
Academic
Of or relating to institutionalized education and scholarship, especially at a college or university.
Scholastic
Of or relating to schools; academic
Scholastic accomplishment.
Academic
Of or relating to studies that rely on reading and involve abstract thought rather than being primarily practical or technical.
Scholastic
Often Scholastic Of, relating to, or characteristic of Scholasticism.
Academic
Relating to scholarly performance
A student's academic average.
Scholastic
Overly subtle or pedantic
"The debates ... between communist and socialist formations [of the unions] on an industrial and labor strategy were often scholastic and tortuous" (Norman Birnbaum).
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.
Scholastic
Often Scholastic A Scholastic philosopher or theologian.
Academic
Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed, unengaging, or theoretical
Dismissed the article as a dry, academic exercise.
Scholastic
A dogmatist or pedant.
Academic
Having no important consequence or relevancy
The debate about who is to blame has become academic because the business has left town.
Scholastic
(philosophy) A member of the medieval philosophical school of scholasticism; a medieval Christian Aristotelian.
Academic
A faculty member or scholar at an institution of higher learning, such as a university.
Scholastic
Of or relating to school; academic
This award is for the greatest scholastic achievement by a graduating student.
Academic
One who has an academic viewpoint or a scholarly background.
Scholastic
(philosophy) Of or relating to the philosophical tradition of scholasticism
Academic
Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato
The academic sect or philosophy
Scholastic
Characterized by excessive subtlety, or needlessly minute subdivisions; pedantic; formal.
Academic
Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.
Scholastic
Pertaining to, or suiting, a scholar, a school, or schools; scholarlike; as, scholastic manners or pride; scholastic learning.
Academic
In particular: relating to literary, classical, or artistic studies like the humanities, rather than to technical or vocational studies like engineering or welding.
Scholastic
Of or pertaining to the schoolmen and divines of the Middle Ages (see Schoolman); as, scholastic divinity or theology; scholastic philosophy.
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
Scholastic
Hence, characterized by excessive subtilty, or needlessly minute subdivisions; pedantic; formal.
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.
Scholastic
One who adheres to the method or subtilties of the schools.
Academic
(art) Conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional; formalistic.
Scholastic
See the Note under Jesuit.
Academic
Subscribing to the architectural standards of Vitruvius.
Scholastic
A person who pays more attention to formal rules and book learning than they merit
Academic
So scholarly as to be unaware of the outside world; lacking in worldliness; inexperienced in practical matters.
Scholastic
A Scholastic philosopher or theologian
Academic
A follower of Plato, a Platonist.
Scholastic
Of or relating to schools;
Scholastic year
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.
Scholastic
Of or relating to the philosophical doctrine of scholasticism;
Scholastic philosophy
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
How do academic and scholastic approaches differ in education?
Academic approaches are more research and theory-focused, while scholastic approaches emphasize practical and systematic learning.
What is the main focus of scholastic activities?
Scholastic activities focus on structured learning, teaching methodologies, and curriculum implementation in schools.
Can someone be involved in both academic and scholastic activities?
Yes, individuals can be involved in both, often educators work across academic research and scholastic teaching.
Can academic achievements include scholastic accomplishments?
Yes, academic achievements can include scholastic accomplishments, especially when they contribute to one's educational development.
Are scholastic materials only used in schools?
Primarily, yes, scholastic materials are designed for use in primary and secondary educational settings.
How does scholasticism relate to modern scholastic approaches?
Modern scholastic approaches draw from scholasticism's emphasis on logic and reasoning, applying these principles to contemporary education.
What defines academic work?
Academic work is defined by scholarly research, theory development, and intellectual exploration at a university level.
What is the significance of academic research?
Academic research is significant for advancing knowledge, solving complex problems, and contributing to societal progress.
What are examples of academic disciplines?
Examples include sciences, humanities, social sciences, and fine arts.
Is academic writing the same as scholastic writing?
Academic writing often refers to university-level research and publication, while scholastic writing may be more geared towards school-level projects and reports.
What role do scholastic competitions play in education?
Scholastic competitions motivate students, enhance learning, and develop skills like teamwork and problem-solving.
Do scholastic achievements impact college admissions?
Yes, scholastic achievements can significantly impact college admissions, showcasing a student's academic and extracurricular strengths.
What is the role of an academic advisor?
An academic advisor guides students on course selection, academic goals, and career planning, primarily in higher education.
How important are academic credentials in professional fields?
Academic credentials are crucial in many professional fields as they demonstrate expertise and specialized knowledge.
How do academic journals contribute to scholarship?
Academic journals are vital for disseminating research, facilitating scholarly communication, and advancing knowledge in various fields.
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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.
Co-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.
