professionally
Professionally (adv) means As part of a paid career, rather than as a hobby. Example: “She has played the violin professionally since she was nineteen.”
How to use professionally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "for a living" or "in a competent, businesslike way," depending on context.
Word forms
more professionally comparative, most professionally superlative
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
She has played the violin _____ since she was nineteen.
Etymology
From "professional" plus the adverb-forming suffix "-ly."
Synonyms
View more →Antonyms
Related words
Rhymes for professionally
See all rhymes for professionally →Frequently asked questions
What does “professionally” mean?
The word “professionally” means as part of a paid career, rather than as a hobby. In plain terms, either "for a living" or "in a competent, businesslike way," depending on context.
How do you use “professionally” in a sentence?
Here is “professionally” used in a sentence: “She has played the violin professionally since she was nineteen.”
What is the opposite of “professionally”?
The opposite of “professionally” — its antonyms — is unprofessionally.
What part of speech is “professionally”?
“Professionally” is an adverb.
Is “professionally” a common word?
“Professionally” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “professionally” have?
“Professionally” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: as part of a paid career, rather than as a hobby.
What is the difference between professionally and as a hobby?
Doing something professionally means it is part of a paid career, done for income and typically to a recognised standard. Doing something as a hobby means it is pursued for enjoyment rather than payment, with no obligation to meet professional standards.
What does it mean to behave professionally at work?
Behaving professionally means acting in a manner that meets professional standards of conduct, such as being reliable, respectful, and competent. This sense applies even to unpaid or informal settings, since it describes conduct rather than employment status.
Can someone act professionally without doing something for a living?
Yes, the two senses of professionally are separate: one refers to earning money from an activity, the other to the standard of conduct shown while doing it. A volunteer, for example, can still behave professionally even though they are not paid.