Word
profession
Phoneticspro·fes·sion
US/pɹəˈfɛʃən/
UK/pɹəfˈɛʃən/
Definitions
01specialized job
n. a type of job that requires special training and a high level of education, like being a doctor or a lawyer.
n. an occupation requiring specialized knowledge and often long and intensive academic preparation.
“She chose the teaching profession because she wanted to help children learn.”
“The legal profession demands not only a deep understanding of statutes but also a commitment to ethical practice and client confidentiality.”
Usage
Often used with the definite article 'the' when referring to the group of people in that job.
Pitfall
What is your profession?
What do you do for a living?
In casual conversation, 'profession' can sound overly formal. Use 'job' or 'what do you do' unless you are filling out a form or speaking formally.
Synonyms
02statement of belief
n. a public statement where you say what you believe or feel.
n. an open act of declaring or acknowledging a belief, faith, or opinion.
“The monk made a profession of his faith during the ceremony.”
“His public profession of loyalty to the new regime was met with skepticism by those who knew his previous political leanings.”
Formal
Teaching tip
This sense is much less common than the 'job' sense and is usually found in religious or very formal contexts.
Synonyms
Confusables
Career is the total path of a person's working life, while profession is a specific occupation requiring advanced training or credentials.
RememberCareer is your journey; profession is your title.
Etymology
From Middle English professioun, from Anglo-Norman professioun, Old French profession (“declaration of faith, religious vows, occupation”), from Latin professiō (“avowal, public declaration”), from the participle stem of profitērī (“to profess”). By surface analysis, profess + -ion.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Collocations
Word family
Idioms
learned profession — The profession of divinity, medicine, or law.
Domain
Scan code
englishreference.com/q/profession