ENGLISH
REFERENCE

professional

n. · adj.
US //pɹəˈfɛʃənəɫ// UK //pɹəfˈɛʃənəl// pro·fes·sion·al
  1. 1 skilled worker (n.)
    A2 Elementary

    a person who has a job that requires special training or a high level of education.

    a person belonging to a profession that typically requires advanced education or specialised training.

    Example

    She is a medical professional who has worked in hospitals for ten years.

    Example

    The conference brought together legal and financial professionals to discuss the implications of the new regulatory framework.

  2. 2 paid participant (n.)
    B1 Intermediate

    someone who is paid to do an activity, like a sport, instead of doing it as a hobby.

    an individual who earns their livelihood from a specific activity, particularly in sports or the arts, as opposed to an amateur.

    Example

    He played football for fun as a child, but now he is a professional.

    Example

    Transitioning from a gifted amateur to a touring professional requires not only talent but also a rigorous commitment to daily practice and physical conditioning.

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  1. 3 high quality or standard (adj.)
    A2 Elementary

    showing the high quality or good behavior that you expect from a trained person.

    exhibiting the standards, competence, or etiquette expected of a member of a profession.

    Example

    The report looks very professional with all the charts and clear headings.

    Example

    Maintaining a professional demeanour during a crisis is essential for leadership, as it instils confidence in the rest of the team.

  2. 4 done for money (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing a job or activity that you do for money as your main work.

    engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.

    Example

    She decided to seek professional advice before signing the contract.

    Example

    The athlete's professional career was cut short by a series of injuries that prevented him from competing at the highest level.

Origin

From Middle English professhennalle, professhynalle; equivalent to profession + -al.

Word family
Idioms2 entries

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