Reading Theme:
Profession: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：vocation (profession)
profession
/prəˈfeʃn/
n.
A type of job that needs special training, skills, or education, and is often respected in society.
vocation
➕
/voʊˈkeɪʃən/
n.
A paid occupation, especially one that involves prolonged training and a formal qualification.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'professionem' (a public declaration), from 'profiteri' (to declare publicly). 'Pro-' (forth) + 'fateri' (to confess, acknowledge).
💡 Mnemonic
Think: PROFESSors declare their expertise in a specific FIELD, which is their profession.
📖 Example
Choosing medicine as her profession was a big decision, but she never regretted becoming a doctor.
Deciding to pursue medicine as her vocation was a significant choice, yet she has no regrets about becoming a doctor.
🔗 Collocations
by profession – as one's main paid occupation
the legal profession – all the people who work as lawyers or judges
choose a profession – to select a specific career path
🔄 Synonyms
occupation (n.) – A person's job or principal activity, which may or may not require specialized training.
career (n.) – An individual's long-term journey through learning, work, and other aspects of life.
calling (n.) – A strong urge toward a particular way of life or career; a vocation.
🚫 Antonyms
avocation (n.) – A hobby or minor occupation pursued for enjoyment, distinct from one's main profession.
amateurism (n.) – Engagement in an activity on an unpaid, non-professional basis.
🌱 Derivatives
professional (adj./n.) – Relating to or connected with a profession; a person engaged in a specified activity as a paid occupation.
professionally (adv.) – In a way that relates to a profession or is appropriate for a professional person.
📖 Cultural Story
Historically, 'profess' meant a solemn vow, as taken by someone entering a religious order. This narrowed to describe the specific knowledge one publicly declares expertise in, leading to the modern sense of a skilled vocation.
Meaning 2：declaration (profession)
profession
/prəˈfeʃn/
n.
A formal or public statement of your belief, opinion, or feeling.
declaration
➕
/ˌdekləˈreɪʃən/
n.
A formal and public affirmation or statement of a belief, feeling, or fact.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
At the wedding, his profession of love for her brought tears to everyone's eyes.
During the wedding ceremony, his public declaration of love for her moved all the guests to tears.
🔗 Collocations
profession of faith – a public declaration of belief in a religion
make a profession – to formally state or declare something
🔄 Synonyms
avowal (n.) – A frank statement or admission of one's beliefs or feelings.
affirmation (n.) – A confident and forceful statement of the truth or existence of something.
assertion (n.) – A confident and forceful statement of fact or belief.
🚫 Antonyms
denial (n.) – A statement that something is not true or does not exist.
retraction (n.) – A withdrawal of a statement, opinion, or promise.
🌱 Derivatives
profess (v.) – To claim openly but often falsely; to affirm one's faith in or allegiance to.
Wordbook
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