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Pro Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ”ง
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pro

[prษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

professional

A person engaged or qualified in a profession.

Synonyms

expert, professional, specialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pro

This word is short for 'professional' and is often used informally. It's common in sports or casual conversations. It emphasizes skill and experience without being overly formal.

  • He's a pro at skateboarding
  • They hired a pro to handle their social media
expert

This term is used when referring to someone with a high level of knowledge or skill in a particular field. It's often used in both formal and informal situations.

  • She is an expert in artificial intelligence
  • We need to consult an expert before making a decision
specialist

This term is used for someone who has specialized knowledge or skills in a particular area, especially in medicine or technical fields. It's formal and often used in professional contexts.

  • You should see a heart specialist
  • They hired a cybersecurity specialist to secure their data
professional

This word is used to describe someone who works in a specific occupation and adheres to high standards. It's more formal and is often used in a work or business context.

  • He's a professional photographer
  • Maintaining a professional demeanor at work is crucial

Examples of usage

  • She is a true pro at her job.
  • He is a seasoned pro in the industry.
Context #2 | Noun

sports

A professional athlete.

Synonyms

pro player, professional athlete.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pro

Used in informal settings to describe someone who is highly skilled or very experienced in a particular activity or sport.

  • He's a real pro at fixing computers.
  • She played like a pro in the tournament.
professional athlete

Formally describes someone who plays sports as their main paid occupation. Often used in official contexts or in media.

  • As a professional athlete, she trains every day to stay in peak condition.
  • Professional athletes often have rigorous schedules and strict diets.
pro player

Specifically refers to someone who plays a sport or game at a professional level, often used in the context of video games or sports.

  • He's a pro player for one of the top esports teams.
  • The team hired a pro player to boost their chances of winning.

Examples of usage

  • He used to be a pro basketball player.
  • She aspires to be a pro in tennis.
Context #3 | Noun

informal

A professional, especially in a specific activity or field.

Synonyms

expert, professional, specialist.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
pro

Use 'pro' to refer to someone who is very skilled at a particular activity, often used informally.

  • He's a pro at playing chess.
  • You can tell she's a pro by the way she handles the camera.
expert

Use 'expert' to indicate someone with deep knowledge and expertise in a specific field, often used formally.

  • She is an expert in cybersecurity.
  • We need an expert to solve this complex problem.
specialist

Use 'specialist' to emphasize someone's focus and advanced expertise in a narrow or specific aspect of a field.

  • Sheโ€™s a specialist in pediatric cardiology.
  • We consulted a specialist for the rare condition.
professional

Use 'professional' to describe someone who works in a particular occupation, usually requiring special training or qualifications, and maintains a certain level of competence and behavior.

  • He is a professional musician.
  • Hiring a professional photographer is worth the investment.

Examples of usage

  • He's a pro at playing video games.
  • She's a pro at baking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Sports

  • Professional athletes often train for years to reach the level where they can compete for money and fame.
  • The term 'pro' is commonly associated with sports leagues, such as the NBA, where players are paid for their skills.
  • In gaming, 'pro' players often participate in tournaments and can earn sponsorships, similar to traditional athletes.

Pop Culture

  • In the world of influencers and content creators, being a 'pro' often means having a significant following and creating high-quality content.
  • Reality TV shows sometimes feature contestants aiming to prove they are more 'pro' than their rivals in various skills.
  • Many popular video games have 'pro' players known for their exceptional skills, leading to a booming esports industry.

Education

  • In academics, a 'pro' can refer to someone who's very knowledgeable in their subject, often teaching others.
  • Professional development courses help individuals enhance their skills and become 'pros' in their careers.
  • Universities often have 'pro' sessions or workshops for students to learn from experts in different fields.

Technology

  • In tech, professionals often specialize in areas like software development or cybersecurity, becoming 'pros' by mastering their crafts.
  • Certain professions, like 'pro' web developers or designers, rely heavily on continuous learning due to rapid technological advancements.
  • In the world of apps and gadgets, 'pro' versions often indicate superior features or tools for advanced users.

Origin of 'pro'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Pro' comes from the Latin word 'pro,' meaning 'for' or 'in favor of.'
  • The term has evolved over time to describe someone who is a professional in their field.
  • It has also been used as a prefix in many words that signify support or favor, such as 'proactive' or 'proponent.'

The word 'pro' originated in the mid-19th century as a shortening of the word 'professional'. It has since evolved to be used informally to describe someone skilled or experienced in a particular activity. The term 'pro' is commonly associated with expertise and proficiency in various fields, from sports to professions.

See also: prose, prow.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,539, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.