Professional

/prəˈfɛʃənəl/

adjectivemediumVery CommonLegal

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Having or showing the skill, good judgment, and polite behavior expected of a person who is trained to do a job well.

/prəˈfɛʃənəl/

adjectiveneutralmedium
Legal

Relating to a profession or occupation.

She gave a professional presentation, well-prepared and delivered with confidence.

💡 Simply: Imagine someone who's really, really good at their job and always does things the right way. They're *professional*! Like a doctor who's super skilled at helping people.

👶 For kids: Being good at your job and doing it the right way, like a teacher or a doctor.

More Examples

2

The professional musicians produced a beautiful symphony.

3

They hired a professional photographer for the wedding.

How It's Used

Business

"The company requires professional conduct from all employees."

Sports

"He is a professional athlete, earning his living through his sport."

2

A person who is paid to do work that requires a high level of training or skill.

/prəˈfɛʃənəl/

nounneutralmedium
General

A person engaged in a specific activity as a paid occupation.

The company hired several professionals to manage the project.

💡 Simply: A professional is someone who gets paid to do a job that takes a lot of skill and training. Like a doctor, a lawyer, or a teacher, that's their career!

👶 For kids: Someone who gets paid to do a job they are really good at, like a doctor or a teacher.

More Examples

2

He is a professional in the field of software engineering.

3

She consulted with a professional financial advisor.

How It's Used

Sports

"The game featured both professional and amateur players."

General

"She consulted with a professional for legal advice."

Tip:Think of someone earning a living doing their *specialized skill*.

Idioms & expressions

professional development

Activities undertaken to improve a person's skills, knowledge, and competence as a professional.

"The company provides funding for employees' professional development."

professional ethics

The standards and principles of conduct expected of a professional.

"It's a violation of professional ethics to disclose client information."

professional liability

The legal responsibility a professional has for their actions or advice.

"Doctors must carry professional liability insurance."

From Late Latin *professionālis*, from *professio* ("a public declaration"), from *profiteri* ("to declare openly"). The word evolved to describe someone with specialized skills and expertise, particularly in a paid capacity.

The term 'professional' gained prominence with the rise of specialized occupations during the Industrial Revolution.

Memory tip

Think of someone with *skill* and *expertise*, like a seasoned doctor.

proffesionalproffessional

Usage

30%Spoken
70%Written