Scholar vs. Academic: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Published on November 16, 2023
Scholar; A learned person, especially in a particular subject. Academic; Related to education, scholarship, or the institutions of learning.
Key Differences
A Scholar refers to an individual with deep knowledge in a specific subject area, whereas an Academic often pertains to matters connected to education, learning institutions, or scholarly pursuits.
The title of Scholar can be bestowed upon someone due to their profound understanding or study in a domain, while the term Academic can be both an adjective, describing scholarly activities, and a noun, indicating a person involved in higher education.
It's worth noting that while all Scholars are deeply knowledgeable, not all of them might be tied to academic institutions. Conversely, an Academic might work within a university or college, but their expertise might not reach the depth that some Scholars achieve.
The life of a Scholar is generally devoted to studying and researching a specific field to contribute knowledge. On the other hand, an Academic's life might involve teaching, administrative duties, and other responsibilities linked to educational institutions, alongside research.
While the two terms have nuances, there's considerable overlap. A Scholar can be an Academic if they are associated with a learning institution, and an Academic, given their depth of study, can certainly be regarded as a Scholar in their discipline.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
An individual with deep knowledge
Pertaining to education or a person in the educational system
Association
Specific subjects or fields
Educational institutions
Primary Role
Research and study
Teaching, research, and other institutional roles
Noun/Adjective
Primarily a noun
Can be both a noun and an adjective
Examples
Historians, philosophers
University professors, collegiate matters
ADVERTISEMENT
Scholar and Academic Definitions
Scholar
A person who values learning.
As a lifelong Scholar, she was always found with a book in hand.
Academic
Related to scholarly activities.
His research is purely Academic.
Scholar
A specialist in a particular branch of study.
The conference gathered Scholars of ancient civilizations.
Academic
Concerned with the pursuit of research and education.
The discussion was very Academic, touching on theoretical models.
Scholar
One who studies an academic discipline.
As a young Scholar, he aspired to rewrite history.
Academic
Theoretical, not practical or directly applicable.
While interesting, the theory remains an Academic point.
Scholar
An expert in a particular field.
She is a renowned Scholar in quantum physics.
Academic
Of or relating to institutionalized education and scholarship, especially at a college or university.
Scholar
A recipient of a scholarship.
He is a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.
Academic
Of or relating to studies that rely on reading and involve abstract thought rather than being primarily practical or technical.
Scholar
A learned person.
Academic
Relating to scholarly performance
A student's academic average.
Scholar
A specialist in a given branch of knowledge
A classical scholar.
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.
Scholar
One who attends school or studies with a teacher; a student.
Academic
Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed, unengaging, or theoretical
Dismissed the article as a dry, academic exercise.
Scholar
A student who holds or has held a particular scholarship.
Academic
Having no important consequence or relevancy
The debate about who is to blame has become academic because the business has left town.
Scholar
A student; one who studies at school or college, typically having a scholarship.
Academic
A faculty member or scholar at an institution of higher learning, such as a university.
Scholar
A specialist in a particular branch of knowledge.
Academic
One who has an academic viewpoint or a scholarly background.
Scholar
A learned person; a bookman.
Academic
Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato
The academic sect or philosophy
Scholar
(Singapore) someone who received a prestigious scholarship
Academic
Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.
Scholar
One who attends a school; one who learns of a teacher; one under the tuition of a preceptor; a pupil; a disciple; a learner; a student.
I am no breeching scholar in the schools.
Academic
In particular: relating to literary, classical, or artistic studies like the humanities, rather than to technical or vocational studies like engineering or welding.
Scholar
One engaged in the pursuits of learning; a learned person; one versed in any branch, or in many branches, of knowledge; a person of high literary or scientific attainments; a savant.
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
Scholar
A man of books.
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.
Scholar
In English universities, an undergraduate who belongs to the foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its revenues.
Academic
(art) Conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional; formalistic.
Scholar
A learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
Academic
Subscribing to the architectural standards of Vitruvius.
Scholar
Someone (especially a child) who learns (as from a teacher) or takes up knowledge or beliefs
Academic
So scholarly as to be unaware of the outside world; lacking in worldliness; inexperienced in practical matters.
Scholar
A student who holds a scholarship
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
A member of a university or college.
As an Academic, she spends much time lecturing and mentoring students.
Academic
Pertaining to the educational system.
He faced numerous Academic challenges during his student years.
FAQs
Is the term Scholar always tied to academia?
No, while many Scholars are linked to academia, some might be experts outside institutional settings.
Can a student be called a Scholar?
Yes, especially if they show deep knowledge or receive scholarships due to their proficiency.
What's the primary focus of an Academic's role?
An Academic's role can involve teaching, research, and administrative tasks in educational settings.
Can someone be both a Scholar and an Academic?
Yes, many Scholars work within academic institutions and thus are also Academics.
Do all Scholars teach?
No, some Scholars might focus solely on research or writing without teaching.
Which institutions support Scholars?
Universities, research institutions, think tanks, and foundations often support Scholars.
Can one be called an Academic outside of universities?
Typically, the term relates to higher education, but it can be used more broadly for scholarly pursuits.
Are all Academics Scholars?
Not necessarily. While Academics work within education, they might not be deep experts like Scholars in specific fields.
How is Academic used as an adjective?
When describing things related to education, scholarship, or learning institutions, the term "Academic" is used.
Can an Academic research be non-scholarly?
While Academic research aims to be scholarly, not all might meet the rigorous standards of scholarship.
What’s the origin of the term Scholar?
It comes from the Latin "scholaris," related to school and teaching.
How does one become a recognized Scholar?
Through significant contributions, research, publications, and acknowledgment by peers in their field.
Is every Academic work scholarly?
Most aim to be, but the depth and rigor can vary.
How does Academic performance relate to being a Scholar?
While good Academic performance can be an indicator, being a Scholar relates more to expertise in a field.
How do Scholars contribute to society?
They enhance knowledge, challenge existing ideas, and often educate the next generation.
Is the life of an Academic always tied to classrooms?
No, many Academics spend time on research, fieldwork, and other scholarly activities outside classrooms.
How do Scholars and Academics collaborate?
They often work together on research, conferences, publications, and educational endeavors.
Do all universities have top-tier Academics?
The quality and expertise of Academics can vary among institutions.
Do Scholars always have formal education?
Most do, but some might be self-taught experts in their fields.
Who can bestow the title of Scholar?
While there's no official body, recognition often comes from peers, institutions, and scholarly communities.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
