profession
/prəˈfeʃn/ (bre, ipa) · /prəˈfeʃn/ (ame, ipa) · /prə-ˈfe-shən/ (ame, mw)
profession — noun
- professionsingular
- professionsplural
1. any paid role that a person can do only after they have finished special study o
any paid role that a person can do only after they have finished special study or training, especially one that society respects because it demands advanced knowledge or practical skill.
Ms. Okafor knew the teaching profession required years of training before she could lead a classroom.
the [field] profession as object of 'knew'
Jiwoo decided to join the medical profession after volunteering at a local clinic.
join the [field] profession
Lakan chose the profession of pilot because he loved flying from a young age.
Her father is a lawyer by profession, but he also teaches at the weekend.
- occupation
more neutral and formal; any paid job, not only skilled ones
- career
focuses on the long-term path and progression, not just the type of work
- trade
used for skilled physical work like plumbing or carpentry, less formal than profession
文法句型
by profession
the [field] profession
profession of [field]
用法筆記
Frequently used with a specific field name (the medical profession, the teaching profession) or the phrase by profession to say what kind of work someone does. The noun can be followed by a singular or plural verb: the profession has/have strict rules.
常見錯誤
2. all the people employed in one skilled field, considered together as sharing the
all the people employed in one skilled field, considered together as sharing the same duties and standards.
The legal profession has strict rules about how lawyers must behave with their clients.
the [field] profession + singular verb
Members of the nursing profession often work long hours in busy city hospitals.
The medical profession welcomed the government's new safety rules for hospitals.
Reports from the teaching profession show that many teachers feel tired by the end of term.
文法句型
the [field] profession + singular/plural verb
用法筆記
Takes a singular or plural verb. The plural verb is more common in British English (the profession are divided on this issue). Distinguish from sense 1: sense 2 refers to the people, not the type of work.
常見錯誤
3. one of the traditional, highly respected careers — such as medicine, law, or the
one of the traditional, highly respected careers — such as medicine, law, or the church — that have required advanced university study for centuries, rather than modern skilled jobs in business or technology.
In the past, only men could enter the profession of law or medicine in many countries.
enter the profession of [field]
Erik's grandfather entered the legal profession right after finishing his law degree.
Xiu's aunt warned her that the medical profession would need six years at university.
While her classmates chose business schools, Priya entered the legal profession — a learned career requiring seven years of study.
文法句型
the profession of [medicine/law/theology]
enter the profession
用法筆記
Typically used with the (the profession, the legal profession) or in the structure the profession of + field. This sense is more formal than sense 1 and is not used for business, industry, or trade work. Distinguish from sense 1: sense 3 is limited to the traditional 'learned' fields, whereas sense 1 covers any skilled work.
常見錯誤
4. when you openly and formally state your beliefs, feelings, or plans to the publi
when you openly and formally state your beliefs, feelings, or plans to the public.
The senator made a profession of his support for better schools across the state.
make a profession of [feeling/intention]
Devika stood before the congregation on Sunday to make a public profession of her faith.
Chiara accepted the award with a warm profession of thanks to her team and teachers.
At the gallery opening, the artist made a sincere profession of her artistic intentions to the gathered crowd.
- declaration
more direct and commonly used; less formal than profession
- assertion
implies confidence or forcefulness; the speaker may be defending the claim
- avowal
very formal; emphasises honesty and openness
- denial
a statement that something is not true
文法句型
profession of [faith/support/thanks]
make a profession of [something]
用法筆記
Often followed by of + abstract noun (profession of faith, profession of support). This sense is more formal and emphatic than a simple statement. Common in political, religious, or public contexts.