What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
academic
Example
She pursued an academic career in philosophy. [academic: adjective]
Example
The academic community is dedicated to advancing knowledge through research. [academic: noun]
educational
Example
The school provides educational programs for students of all ages. [educational: adjective]
Example
The museum offers educational tours to help visitors learn more about art history. [educational: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Educational is more commonly used than academic in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of learning contexts and has a more accessible connotation. However, academic is more common in the context of higher education and research.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between academic and educational?
Academic is typically associated with a more formal and serious tone, as it is often used in the context of higher education and research. Educational is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
