profession
pruh-FESH-un
/prəˈfɛʃən/
A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.
Implies a higher level of education, ethical standards, and social status than 'job' or 'trade'.
The story behind the word. The word 'profession' originally referred to a public declaration or 'vow' made when entering a religious order. By the 16th century, it came to mean any occupation where one 'professes' to have specialized knowledge.
Word relationships
- career: Career emphasizes the progress and duration of one's work life, while profession emphasizes the specialized nature of the work.
- amateurism: Amateurism refers to doing something for pleasure rather than as a qualified professional.
Commonly confused with
- trade: A trade usually involves manual skill or craft, while a profession usually involves intellectual or specialized academic training.
Word family
- professional (adjective): Relating to or belonging to a profession.
- professionalism (noun): The competence or skill expected of a professional.
Collocations
- medical profession
- legal profession
- by profession
Example sentences
- "The legal profession has a strict code of conduct for all its members." Legal and ethical standards.
- "She decided to enter the medical profession after years of study." Choosing a career path.
Memory hook
A Professional 'Professes' (declares) their expertise to the world. Profession = Profess your skills.
When not to use
Don't use it for unskilled labor or entry-level roles that don't require specific credentials.
Fun facts
- The 'oldest profession' is a common euphemism for prostitution.
- In the past, only divinity, law, and medicine were considered 'learned professions'.
Related words
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