Word
prof
UK/pɹˈɒf/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a short name for a professor at a college or university.
n. An informal clipping of 'professor', commonly used by students to refer to their instructors.
Examples
“I need to ask the Prof about my grade.”
“Most students call him Prof Miller because he prefers a more relaxed atmosphere in his seminars.”
“While the formal title is required for official correspondence, many faculty members encourage students to use 'Prof' during office hours to foster a more approachable learning environment.”
Examples
simple
“I need to ask the Prof about my grade.”
contextual
“Most students call him Prof Miller because he prefers a more relaxed atmosphere in his seminars.”
complex
“While the formal title is required for official correspondence, many faculty members encourage students to use 'Prof' during office hours to foster a more approachable learning environment.”
Usage
Typically used as a common noun in speech, though it can appear as a title before a surname in casual writing.
Teaching tip
While common in speech, students should avoid using this abbreviation in formal essays or professional emails unless they have a very close relationship with the instructor.
Synonyms
Antonyms
- 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.B1 PreliminaryIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.4.0–5.0TOEFL 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: 3.0–3.544–71TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.550–784
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
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- Informal
QR code
englishreference.com/q/prof