Definition

1. Noun:

   • A professional: A person who engages in an activity, especially a sport or occupation, for payment or as a main career, rather than as an amateur.
   • An argument or reason in favor of something: A point or consideration that supports a particular side in a debate or decision.

2. Adjective:

   • Professional: Relating to or characteristic of a professional; engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation.

3. Adverb:

   • In favor of: Supporting or agreeing with a proposition, opinion, or course of action.

Usage Examples

• Noun (Professional):
  • He turned pro at the age of 18 and joined a major league team.
  • You should consult a pro for legal advice on this complex matter.
• Noun (Argument in favor):
  • We need to weigh the pros and cons before making a final decision.
  • One of the main pros of this plan is its cost-effectiveness.
• Adjective:
  • She has a very pro attitude towards her work.
  • The tournament is open to both amateur and pro golfers.
• Adverb:
  • Are you pro or against the new policy?
  • The committee voted pro on the motion to increase funding.

Advanced Usage

• "The pros and cons": The arguments for and against something; the advantages and disadvantages.
  • Let's list the pros and cons of moving to a new city.

Variants and Related Words

• Professional (adj/n): The full form from which "pro" is often derived. It describes someone engaged in a profession or an activity with great skill.
  • She received professional training.
• Pro- (prefix): A prefix meaning "in favor of" or "supporting," as in or .
  • The group is known for its pro-environment stance.

Synonyms

• Noun (Professional): expert, specialist, master.
• Noun (Argument for): advantage, benefit, plus, asset.
• Adjective: professional, expert, skilled.
• Adverb: for, in favor of, in support of.

Antonyms

• Noun (Professional): amateur, novice, beginner.
• Noun (Argument for): con, disadvantage, drawback.
• Adverb: against, anti-, con.

Related Phrases

• Go pro: To become a professional in a particular field, especially sports.
  • After winning the national championship, she decided to go pro.
• Pro bono: (From Latin , "for the public good") Work undertaken voluntarily and without payment, typically by a professional.
  • The lawyer took the case pro bono.

Adjective

1. in favor of (an action or proposal etc.)
   • a pro vote

Noun

1. an argument in favor of a proposal
2. an athlete who plays for pay

Adverb

1. in favor of a proposition, opinion, etc.