pro
7 synonyms and 0 antonyms for pro, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — A point or reason in favor of something, usually discussed alongside its "cons."
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
How to use pro
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Latin pro, meaning "on behalf of" or "in favor of."
Full origin of pro →Frequently asked questions
What does “pro” mean?
The word “pro” means a point or reason in favor of something, usually discussed alongside its "cons.". In plain terms, either a point in favor of something, or short for "professional.".
How do you pronounce “pro”?
“Pro” is pronounced proh (/pɹoʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pro” in a sentence?
Here is “pro” used in a sentence: “Let's weigh the pros and cons before deciding.”
What part of speech is “pro”?
Depending on how it is used, “pro” can be a noun, an adjective and a preposition.
Where does the word “pro” come from?
The word “pro” comes from Latin. From Latin pro, meaning "on behalf of" or "in favor of.".
Is “pro” a common word?
“Pro” is a very common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.
How many meanings does “pro” have?
“Pro” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a point or reason in favor of something, usually discussed alongside its "cons.".
What is the difference between a pro and a con?
A pro is a point in favour of something — a benefit or advantage. A con is a point against it — a drawback or disadvantage. People weigh the pros and cons together to decide whether the advantages of a choice outweigh its downsides before making up their minds.
What is the opposite of a 'pro'?
In this sense, the opposite of a pro is a 'con' — a reason against something. The pair comes from Latin, where 'pro' means 'for' and 'con' (from contra) means 'against'. Listing pros and cons simply means setting the reasons for beside the reasons against.
What is an example of a pro?
If you are deciding whether to buy an electric car, the pros might include lower running costs, quieter driving, and fewer emissions. Each is a point in its favour. The cons — such as a higher purchase price or charging time — would be weighed against them.
Does 'pro' have other meanings?
Yes. Apart from a point in favour, 'pro' is a common short form of 'professional', meaning an expert or someone paid for their skill, as in a golf pro. As a prefix, 'pro-' also means 'in support of', as in pro-democracy. Context makes the intended sense clear.