Professor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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professor
[prəˈfɛsər ]
Definitions
education
A teacher of the highest rank in a college or university, typically a person who is a specialist in a particular subject and has attained the highest academic degree in their field.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| professor |
Refers to a senior and experienced teacher or researcher at a university or college, usually holding a PhD and responsible for conducting lectures and research.
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| academic |
A general term often used to refer to someone engaged in scholarly activities or working within an educational institution. It can also describe things related to education or scholarly activity.
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| scholar |
Refers to someone who is highly educated or has an in-depth knowledge of a specific subject, often involved in deep research and study. It can also denote a student who has been awarded a scholarship for their academic achievements.
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| lecturer |
Specifically denotes someone who teaches at a university or college but is typically lower in rank than a professor and may focus more on teaching than research.
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Examples of usage
- The professor explained the complex theory in a simple manner.
- She is a renowned professor of physics at the university.
- The professor's lecture was engaging and informative.
general
A person who professes beliefs and opinions that they do not hold in order to conceal their real feelings or motives.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| professor |
This term is best used in academic or educational contexts to refer to someone with the title who teaches at a university or college.
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| hypocrite |
This term is used in contexts where someone is pretending to have certain beliefs or principles that they do not actually hold. It has a strongly negative connotation.
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| faker |
This term is used in casual or informal contexts to describe someone who pretends to be something they are not. It generally has a negative connotation.
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| impostor |
This word is commonly used in situations where someone is deceitfully pretending to be another person. It has a negative connotation and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
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Examples of usage
- He is a professor of deceit, always pretending to be someone he's not.
- She acted like a professor of loyalty, but in reality, she betrayed us.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Professors are often seen as authorities in their fields, symbolizing respect and the pursuit of wisdom.
- In films and literature, professors are often depicted as quirky or eccentric individuals filled with passion for their subjects.
- Universities often name important positions after professors to honor their contributions, like 'Chair of Mathematics'.
Science
- Many professors engage in research to discover new things in their fields, contributing significantly to advancement in knowledge.
- Professors often guide students in hands-on learning, showing how theoretical knowledge is applied in real-world situations.
- In many countries, the role and responsibilities of professors can vary significantly between institutions and disciplines.
Education
- Professors typically have at least a master's degree, and many hold doctorates in their specialized fields.
- The process of becoming a professor involves years of study, publishing research, and teaching experience.
- Professor roles often include mentoring students, conducting research, and participating in community service within education.
Pop Culture
- The archetypal 'mad scientist' professor is a common trope in movies and TV shows, often creating wild inventions.
- In popular media, professors in stories often play key roles, influencing the protagonist's journey with their wisdom.
- Famous fictional examples include Professor Dumbledore from 'Harry Potter' and Professor X from 'X-Men', both beloved for their mentorship.
Origin of 'professor'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'professor' comes from the Latin 'professor', meaning 'one who professes' or declares knowledge.
- In medieval times, a professor was someone who could publicly teach and share knowledge in a university setting.
- The term became widely used in the 16th century with the growth of universities across Europe.
The word 'professor' originated in the 14th century, deriving from the Latin term 'professor' which means 'person who professes'. Initially, it referred to a person who publicly declared a belief or faith. Over time, the term evolved to signify an individual with advanced knowledge and expertise in a specific academic field, particularly in higher education institutions. The title 'professor' is now widely recognized and respected in academic and professional settings.
See also: profess, professed, professedly, profession, professions, professors.