What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
professor
Example
The professor gave a lecture on quantum physics. [professor: noun]
Example
She became a full professor after years of research and teaching. [professor: adjective]
academic
Example
He published an academic paper on the history of art. [academic: adjective]
Example
She works as an academic in the field of linguistics. [academic: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Professor is more commonly used in American English, especially in academic settings, while academic is more commonly used in British English and has a broader range of applications.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between professor and academic?
Professor is generally considered more formal than academic, which can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
