World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesBook-smarts
/ˈbʊk.smɑːrts/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
1 sense- 1
Knowledge and intelligence that is gained from formal study, reading, and academic sources rather than from practical experience.
"Although she had plenty of book-smarts, she struggled to handle unexpected emergencies in the workplace."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The term is a colloquial American compound originating in the mid-20th century, combining 'book' (referring to formal education and academic study) and 'smart' (denoting intelligence or cleverness). It developed as a contrasting counterpart to 'street-smarts,' reflecting the cultural distinction between academic knowledge and practical life experience.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Book-smarts"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Book-smarts" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
érudition
Transliteration: ay-ryoo-dee-syohn
"Il a beaucoup d'érudition, mais manque de sens pratique."
theoretisches Wissen
Transliteration: tay-o-re-ti-shes vis-en
"Theoretisches Wissen allein reicht im Berufsleben oft nicht aus."
cultura accademica
Transliteration: kool-too-ra ak-ka-de-mi-ka
"La sua cultura accademica non lo aiutava nelle situazioni difficili."
erudición
Transliteration: e-ru-di-syohn
"Su gran erudición académica no siempre se traduce en experiencia práctica."
erudição
Transliteration: e-roo-dee-sow
"Ele tinha muita erudição, mas pouca vivência prática."
किably ज्ञान
Transliteration: kitabi gyan
Script: किताबी ज्ञान
"किताबी ज्ञान और व्यावहारिक ज्ञान में अंतर होता है।"
书本知识
Transliteration: shūběn zhīshi
"他有很多书本知识，但缺乏实际工作经验。"
책으로 얻은 지식
Transliteration: chaek-euro eodeun jisik
"그는 책으로 얻은 지식은 많지만 눈치코치는 부족하다."
机上の空論
Transliteration: kijō no kōron
Script: 机上の知識
"彼には机上の知識はあるが、実践力が足りない。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsAn organization formed to advocate for the protection and expansion of the right of individuals to own and carry firearms.
The state of being deprived of a right or privileges, especially the right to vote.
Lacking sophistication, good taste, or refinement in manners and education.
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