book-learning

A student gains book-learning from a thick textbook in the library.

Definition

1. Noun:
   • Knowledge acquired from books rather than from direct experience: "book-learning" refers to theoretical or academic knowledge obtained through reading and study, often contrasted with practical or experiential knowledge.
   • Formal education: It can also denote information learned through structured educational materials, as opposed to hands-on learning.

Usage Examples

• (Theoretical knowledge from reading is extensive, but he cannot apply it effectively.)
• (She depends on academic study rather than hands-on experience.)
• (The educational approach focuses on reading and theory.)

Advanced Usage

• "to have book-learning but no common sense": to possess theoretical knowledge without practical wisdom.

  • He can recite every historical date, but he has book-learning and no common sense. (He knows facts from books but cannot navigate everyday life.)

• "book-learning as a complement to experience": the idea that academic knowledge should supplement practical knowledge.

  • A good education combines book-learning with hands-on training. (Theoretical study and practical experience together form a complete education.)

Variants and Related Words

• Book-learned (adj): having knowledge gained primarily from books.

  • The book-learned scholar struggled to fix a simple engine. (The scholar's knowledge was academic, not practical.)

• Bookish (adj): inclined to read or study; fond of books.

  • Her bookish nature led her to spend hours in the library. (She loves reading and studying.)

• Bookworm (n): a person who reads a lot.

  • He is a bookworm who devours novels every week. (He is an avid reader.)

Synonyms

• Theoretical knowledge: understanding based on principles rather than practice.
• Academic learning: education from formal institutions.
• Scholarship: serious study and academic achievement.

Related Idioms

• "To be a walking encyclopedia": to have extensive book-learning about many topics.

  • She can answer any question about history; she's a walking encyclopedia. (Her knowledge is vast and book-based.)

• "To know the theory but not the practice": to have book-learning without application.

  • He knows the theory of cooking but burns everything; he knows the theory but not the practice. (His knowledge is purely academic.)