Professor

Definition

The term "professor" describes a senior academic instructor or researcher, often holding a faculty position at a college or university.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈfɛs.ɚ/
• Respelling: pruh-FESS-er

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /prəˈfɛs.ə/
• Respelling: pruh-FESS-uh

Etymology

The word "professor" originates from the Latin "professor," meaning "person who declares publicly" or "teacher," derived from "profitēri" (to declare or confess). It entered Middle English via Old French in the late 14th century.

Derivatives

• Professorship (noun)
• Professorial (adjective)
• Professoriate (noun)
• Professed (adjective)
• Profess (verb)

Synonyms

• Instructor
• Lecturer
• Academic

Antonyms

• Student
• Novice
• None

Usage

The term "professor" is widely used in academic contexts to denote a senior teaching or research professional. For example, "The professor lectured on quantum mechanics," or "She was promoted to a full professor after years of research."

Related Terms

• Faculty: The academic staff at an educational institution.
• Dean: An administrator overseeing a faculty or department.
• Scholar: A person dedicated to academic study or research.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• A senior academic instructor or researcher in higher education:
  • Example: "The professor teaches advanced calculus to graduate students."
• An expert in a specific field of knowledge:
  • Example: "The professor is renowned for her work in biochemistry."
• A formal title for a faculty member in a college or university:
  • Example: "He holds the title of professor of philosophy."