Academics

Part of speech: noun

Pronunciation: /ˌækəˈdɛmɪks/

Definitions

1. The realm of scholarly pursuit includes various disciplines and their research, representing both the systematic study of knowledge as well as the activities tied to educational institutions
2. This domain encompasses the theoretical and practical aspects of learning, often associated with research and knowledge production within academic settings
3. The activities related to studying and researching subjects within educational institutions ; the community of scholars and intellectuals involved in education and research

Etymology: The name goes back to a real place. Plato taught philosophy in a grove on the outskirts of Athens called Akadēmía, named after a hero, Akádēmos, and the grove gave its name to his school. The Greek adjective akadēmikós was formed from that name, and the Romans borrowed it as "academicus" and later Medieval Latin developed the form used in scholarship. Plato's school outlived him by centuries, which is why the place-name came to stand for teaching and learning in general. The word "academics" is the plural of "academic", which entered English from French académique and Latin academicus. In English the adjective first described Plato's followers and philosophy, and only later came to mean anything about universities or scholarship. The plural "academics" then refers to the people and the activities of that scholarly world, the theoretical and practical work of learning and research.

Synonyms: scholars, students