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Scholar vs. Academic: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Definition

An individual with deep knowledge
Pertaining to education or a person in the educational system
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Association

Specific subjects or fields
Educational institutions
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Primary Role

Research and study
Teaching, research, and other institutional roles
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Noun/Adjective

Primarily a noun
Can be both a noun and an adjective
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023

Examples

Historians, philosophers
University professors, collegiate matters
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023
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Scholar and Academic Definitions

Scholar

A person who values learning.
As a lifelong Scholar, she was always found with a book in hand.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023

Academic

Related to scholarly activities.
His research is purely Academic.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023

Scholar

A specialist in a particular branch of study.
The conference gathered Scholars of ancient civilizations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023

Academic

Concerned with the pursuit of research and education.
The discussion was very Academic, touching on theoretical models.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023

Scholar

One who studies an academic discipline.
As a young Scholar, he aspired to rewrite history.
Harlon Moss
Oct 25, 2023
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Academic

Theoretical, not practical or directly applicable.
While interesting, the theory remains an Academic point.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023

Scholar

An expert in a particular field.
She is a renowned Scholar in quantum physics.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 25, 2023

Academic

Of or relating to institutionalized education and scholarship, especially at a college or university.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A recipient of a scholarship.
He is a Rhodes Scholar at Oxford.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023

Academic

Of or relating to studies that rely on reading and involve abstract thought rather than being primarily practical or technical.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A learned person.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Relating to scholarly performance
A student's academic average.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A specialist in a given branch of knowledge
A classical scholar.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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.
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Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

One who attends school or studies with a teacher; a student.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Having little practical use or value, as by being overly detailed, unengaging, or theoretical
Dismissed the article as a dry, academic exercise.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A student who holds or has held a particular scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Having no important consequence or relevancy
The debate about who is to blame has become academic because the business has left town.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A student; one who studies at school or college, typically having a scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

A faculty member or scholar at an institution of higher learning, such as a university.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A specialist in a particular branch of knowledge.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

One who has an academic viewpoint or a scholarly background.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A learned person; a bookman.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato
The academic sect or philosophy
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

(Singapore) someone who received a prestigious scholarship
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning, or a scholarly society or organization.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

In particular: relating to literary, classical, or artistic studies like the humanities, rather than to technical or vocational studies like engineering or welding.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A man of books.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

In English universities, an undergraduate who belongs to the foundation of a college, and receives support in part from its revenues.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

(art) Conforming to set rules and traditions; conventional; formalistic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A learned person (especially in the humanities); someone who by long study has gained mastery in one or more disciplines
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Subscribing to the architectural standards of Vitruvius.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

Someone (especially a child) who learns (as from a teacher) or takes up knowledge or beliefs
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

So scholarly as to be unaware of the outside world; lacking in worldliness; inexperienced in practical matters.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Scholar

A student who holds a scholarship
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

A follower of Plato, a Platonist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

A member of the Academy; an academician.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

(archaic) A student in a college.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

(pluralonly) Academic dress; academicals.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

(pluralonly) Academic studies.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Belonging to the school or philosophy of Plato; as, the Academic sect or philosophy.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Belonging to an academy or other higher institution of learning; scholarly; literary or classical, in distinction from scientific.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

One holding the philosophy of Socrates and Plato; a Platonist.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

A member of an academy, college, or university; an academician.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

An educator who works at a college or university
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Associated with academia or an academy;
The academic curriculum
Academic gowns
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Hypothetical or theoretical and not expected to produce an immediate or practical result;
An academic discussion
An academic question
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

Marked by a narrow focus on or display of learning especially its trivial aspects
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023

Academic

A member of a university or college.
As an Academic, she spends much time lecturing and mentoring students.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 25, 2023

Academic

Pertaining to the educational system.
He faced numerous Academic challenges during his student years.
Sara Rehman
Oct 25, 2023

FAQs

Is the term Scholar always tied to academia?

No, while many Scholars are linked to academia, some might be experts outside institutional settings.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Can a student be called a Scholar?

Yes, especially if they show deep knowledge or receive scholarships due to their proficiency.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

What's the primary focus of an Academic's role?

An Academic's role can involve teaching, research, and administrative tasks in educational settings.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

Can someone be both a Scholar and an Academic?

Yes, many Scholars work within academic institutions and thus are also Academics.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Do all Scholars teach?

No, some Scholars might focus solely on research or writing without teaching.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

Which institutions support Scholars?

Universities, research institutions, think tanks, and foundations often support Scholars.
Harlon Moss
Nov 16, 2023

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.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023

Are all Academics Scholars?

Not necessarily. While Academics work within education, they might not be deep experts like Scholars in specific fields.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

How is Academic used as an adjective?

When describing things related to education, scholarship, or learning institutions, the term "Academic" is used.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

Can an Academic research be non-scholarly?

While Academic research aims to be scholarly, not all might meet the rigorous standards of scholarship.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

What’s the origin of the term Scholar?

It comes from the Latin "scholaris," related to school and teaching.
Sara Rehman
Nov 16, 2023

How does one become a recognized Scholar?

Through significant contributions, research, publications, and acknowledgment by peers in their field.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

Is every Academic work scholarly?

Most aim to be, but the depth and rigor can vary.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

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.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

How do Scholars contribute to society?

They enhance knowledge, challenge existing ideas, and often educate the next generation.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Is the life of an Academic always tied to classrooms?

No, many Academics spend time on research, fieldwork, and other scholarly activities outside classrooms.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023

How do Scholars and Academics collaborate?

They often work together on research, conferences, publications, and educational endeavors.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Do all universities have top-tier Academics?

The quality and expertise of Academics can vary among institutions.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 16, 2023

Do Scholars always have formal education?

Most do, but some might be self-taught experts in their fields.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 16, 2023

Who can bestow the title of Scholar?

While there's no official body, recognition often comes from peers, institutions, and scholarly communities.
Janet White
Nov 16, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira Riaz
Sawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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