professor
A high-ranking academic who teaches and conducts research at a university or college. They are typically experts in a specific field of study and often hold an advanced degree like a PhD.
Examples
3 of 5I need to meet with my professor during office hours to discuss the upcoming exam.
I need to meet with my university teacher during designated hours to discuss the test.
Professor Williams has published over fifty articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
The high-ranking academic Williams has released many papers in professional journals.
My psych prof is super chill and doesn't mind if we show up a few minutes late.
My psychology teacher is very relaxed and doesn't care about slight tardiness.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of a 'PRO' (professional) who 'FESSes' (confesses/declares) their knowledge to a class.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of Chemistry stayed late to help the students with their laboratory experiment.
Correct!
The correct answer is: professor
Examples
I need to meet with my professor during office hours to discuss the upcoming exam.
everydayI need to meet with my university teacher during designated hours to discuss the test.
Professor Williams has published over fifty articles in peer-reviewed scientific journals.
formalThe high-ranking academic Williams has released many papers in professional journals.
My psych prof is super chill and doesn't mind if we show up a few minutes late.
informalMy psychology teacher is very relaxed and doesn't care about slight tardiness.
The professor emeritus was invited to give the keynote speech at the international conference.
academicThe retired distinguished academic was asked to give the main presentation at the meeting.
Our firm frequently consults with a business professor to analyze market trends.
businessOur company often talks to a university business expert to study market patterns.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
professor emeritus
a retired professor who keeps their title as an honor
adjunct professor
a part-time or temporary university teacher
regius professor
a professor holding a chair founded by a royal patron
Often Confused With
A teacher generally works in primary or secondary schools, while a professor works at the university level.
In some systems, a lecturer is a lower rank than a professor, focusing more on teaching than research.
Usage Notes
The word is used as a formal title (e.g., Professor Smith). In American English, it is often used broadly for any university instructor, whereas in British English, it is reserved for the highest academic rank.
Common Mistakes
Learners often forget to capitalize 'Professor' when it is used as a title before a person's name. They also sometimes use it to refer to high school teachers, which is incorrect in English.
Memory Tip
Think of a 'PRO' (professional) who 'FESSes' (confesses/declares) their knowledge to a class.
Word Origin
Derived from the Latin 'profitieri', meaning to declare openly or claim to be an expert.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, a professor is a highly respected figure associated with intellectual authority and expertise.
Quick Quiz
The ______ of Chemistry stayed late to help the students with their laboratory experiment.
Correct!
The correct answer is: professor
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
ready
A2To be fully prepared for an action or an event. It describes a state where everything is set so that something can happen immediately without delay.
simple
A2Something that is easy to understand, do, or use because it is not complicated. It can also describe something that is plain and basic in style, without extra decoration.
physical
A2Relating to the body rather than the mind or feelings. It also describes things that exist in the real world and can be seen or touched.
general
A2Describing something that affects most people or things rather than being specific to one. It is also used to describe a broad understanding of a topic without focusing on small details.
environmental
A2Relating to the natural world of land, sea, air, plants, and animals. It is often used to describe things that involve protecting nature from damage caused by humans.
medical
A2Relating to the science of medicine and the treatment of injuries or diseases. It is used to describe things connected to doctors, nurses, and the healthcare system.
traditional
A2Following or belonging to the customs and beliefs that have been part of a group of people or a society for a long time. It describes practices that are done in the same way they have been done in the past rather than using new or modern methods.
private
A2Describes something that belongs to a specific person or group and is not for public use. It also refers to a place or conversation where others are not allowed to listen or watch.
difficult
A2Something that is hard to do, understand, or deal with because it requires a lot of effort or skill. It can also describe a person who is not easy to please or work with.
religious
A2Describes someone who has a strong belief in a god or a group of gods and follows the practices of a religion. It can also refer to things that are connected with or related to a particular religion.
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