Word
pro
US/ˈpɹoʊ/
UK/pɹˈəʊ/
Definitions
01an advantage
B1 · Intermediate Countable noun
n. a reason to do something or a positive point about a choice.
n. an argument or factor in favor of a particular action or decision, typically paired with 'con'.
“We made a list of the pros and cons before deciding to move to a new city.”
“The committee spent hours weighing every pro against the potential long-term risks before approving the merger.”
Usage
Almost always used in the plural phrase 'pros and cons'.
Antonyms
02a professional
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Informal
n. someone who is very good at their job or plays a sport for money.
n. a person who engages in a specific activity, especially a sport or technical craft, as a main paid occupation.
“If you want the plumbing fixed correctly, you should hire a pro.”
“Even among seasoned pros, the pressure of a live television broadcast can lead to uncharacteristic mistakes.”
Teaching tip
While 'pro' is common in speech, 'professional' is preferred in formal business writing.
Synonyms
03professional
B2 · Upper Intermediate Sports Informal
adj. relating to a job that requires special training or playing sport for money.
adj. relating to or belonging to a profession; often used to distinguish paid status from amateur status.
“He decided to turn pro after winning the national amateur championship.”
“The transition to a pro career requires a level of discipline that many young athletes find overwhelming at first.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
04in favor of
B2 · Upper Intermediate
prep. supporting an idea or being on the side of a specific choice.
prep. indicating support for or alignment with a specific principle, policy, or movement.
“Are you pro or anti the new school uniform policy?”
“The senator remained staunchly pro-reform throughout the debate, despite significant pressure from lobbyists.”
Usage
Often used as a prefix with a hyphen, but can stand alone in informal questions.
Synonyms
Real-World Examples
“You stayed with me when I turned pro," Taylor said.” “This is the second part in a two-part series examining pro hockey in Hamilton.” Idioms
01. pro tip
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Very common
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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