pro
pro Lexical Profile
pro Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Engaged in an activity, particularly sports, as a paid occupation rather than as an amateur; professional.
"After winning the national collegiate championship, he decided to join a pro basketball league."
In favor of or supporting a particular proposal, person, or ideology.
"The committee remained largely pro on the question of expanding public transit."
• noun
A person who is highly skilled, experienced, or competent in a particular field or activity.
"When it comes to restoring vintage mechanical watches, the shop owner is a true pro."
An advantage, benefit, or argument in favor of something (usually used in the plural in the phrase 'pros and cons').
"We carefully weighed the pros and cons of relocating to a smaller town before making our final decision."
A person who engages in a pursuit, especially a sport, as a paid profession rather than as a pastime; a professional.
"She turned pro immediately after graduating and quickly rose through the tennis rankings."
• adverb
On the affirmative side; in favor of a proposition or argument (usually used in the phrase 'pro and con').
"The council members argued the municipal zoning proposal pro and con for nearly three hours."
• preposition
In favor of; supporting.
"Most of the voters interviewed were strongly pro the new environmental initiative."
Word Nuance & Usage
'Pro' represents two distinct etymological homographs: an informal clipping of 'professional' (noun and adjective) and a borrowing of the Latin preposition meaning 'in favor of' (used in 'pros and cons').
• Rhymes for pro
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
In senses relating to expertise or occupation, a mid-19th-century shortening of 'professional'. In senses relating to support or advantage, borrowed directly from the Latin preposition 'prō', meaning 'for, on behalf of, or in favor of'.
Usage Trend
Historical frequency of usage in published text.