prof

prof — noun

1. an informal spoken short form of 'professor,' used when talking about a universi

1.名詞B1
釋義

an informal spoken short form of 'professor,' used when talking about a university teacher in everyday conversation rather than in official or written contexts

例句

My prof said I need to rewrite the whole first chapter of my thesis.

my + prof — informal possessive collocation

Andrés went to see his prof during office hours to ask about his grade.

同義詞
  • professor

    the full formal term, appropriate in all contexts including official documents

文法句型

possessive + prof

prof + verb

用法筆記

Frequently used with possessive determiners (my, his, her). Not appropriate for formal correspondence, academic papers, or when addressing the professor directly.

常見錯誤

❌I wrote to Prof. Chen about my absence.' (when speaking conversationally)
✅I wrote to my prof about my absence.
💡In casual speech, 'my prof' is natural; 'Prof.' with a period belongs only in written titles.

2. the written abbreviation 'Prof.' placed before a person's surname as part of the

2.名詞B1
釋義

the written abbreviation 'Prof.' placed before a person's surname as part of their formal academic title, used in letters, emails, course catalogues, and nameplates

例句

The letter was signed by Prof. Adina Okafor from the Department of History.

Prof. + [surname] — formal written title abbreviation

Prof. Ramón Silva will deliver the opening speech at the academic conference tomorrow.

同義詞
  • professor

    the full written form, used when abbreviation is not appropriate for the context

文法句型

Prof. + [surname]

用法筆記

Always followed by the professor's surname (not given name alone). In American English, a period is standard after 'Prof'; British English often omits it. Never use 'Prof.' in direct address — say 'Professor' or the person's full title when speaking to them.

常見錯誤

❌Prof. John is my advisor.
✅Prof. Chen is my advisor.
💡Always use the surname, not the given name, after 'Prof.'
❌Nice to meet you, Prof. Smith.' (in direct address)
✅Nice to meet you, Professor Smith.
💡Use the full word 'Professor' when addressing someone in person.

3. an informal shortened form of 'professional,' referring to a person who earns mo

3.名詞B2
釋義

an informal shortened form of 'professional,' referring to a person who earns money by doing a sport, playing an instrument, or competing in an activity that many people do as a hobby

例句

After three years of intense training, Benjamin turned prof and joined the international golf tour.

turn + prof — fixed verb phrase for becoming a professional

Maeve plays the drums like a prof even though she never studied music formally.

like a prof — informal comparison meaning 'like a professional'

同義詞
  • pro

    the most common shortened form for 'professional,' used both as a noun and as an adjective

  • professional

    the full form, appropriate in all registers including formal writing

反義詞
  • amateur

    someone who does an activity for enjoyment rather than for payment

文法句型

turn + prof

go + prof

like a + prof

用法筆記

Used primarily in sports, gaming, and music contexts. 'Turn prof' and 'go prof' are fixed verb phrases. This abbreviation is understood in casual conversation but very rarely appears in formal writing.

常見錯誤

❌He is a prof tennis player.
✅He is a pro tennis player.' or 'He turned prof.
💡'Prof' as 'professional' is not used as an adjective before a noun; use 'pro' for that role.