professionally

Everyday

1. As a job for money, not just as a hobby: «She sings professionally.» tree →
2. In a skilled, careful, polite way, as a good worker should: «He handled the angry customer professionally.» tree →
3. By an expert: «The photos were professionally taken.» tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life it tells you whether someone does something as their paid job, or does it to a high standard. In careers lessons pupils hear about playing sport or drawing professionally. Phrases: «play professionally», «professionally trained», «behave professionally», «professionally made».

Examples

• My uncle plays football professionally in Scotland. tree →
• The nurse spoke to us calmly and professionally. tree →
• Our school photos were taken professionally. tree →
• She wants to dance professionally when she grows up. tree →
• The kitchen was professionally cleaned after the flood. tree →
• Even when the crowd booed, the referee acted professionally. tree →

Note

Adjective: professional; noun: a professional (a pro), profession. Spelling: one f, double s: pro-fes-sion-al-ly (two l's). Opposite in sense 1: as an amateur; in sense 2: unprofessionally.