Word
professionally
Phoneticspro·fes·sion·al·ly, stress on the second syllable
US/pɹəˈfɛʃənəɫi/
UK/pɹəfˈɛʃənəli/
Adverb of manner
Definitions
01as a paid career
B1 · Intermediate
adv. doing something as your main job for money, rather than as a hobby.
adv. performing an activity as one's primary vocation or for financial compensation.
“She has been playing tennis professionally for over five years.”
“After years of competing as an amateur, he finally decided to play professionally and joined the national circuit.”
Usage
Often follows the verb it modifies, especially with verbs like 'play', 'act', or 'train'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02with a serious attitude
B1 · Intermediate
adv. behaving in a way that is polite, organized, and suitable for work.
adv. behaving or performing a task in a manner that meets the standards, ethics, or expectations of a workplace.
“Even though the client was angry, the staff handled the situation professionally.”
“The report was professionally presented, with clear data visualisations and a concise executive summary that impressed the board.”
Usage
Commonly used to describe communication, behaviour, or the appearance of work products.
Antonyms
Etymology
From professional + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
ADVERB
- 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
- Frequent
- Level
- B1 · Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/professionally