adv
Uncommon
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.”
adv
1
As part of a paid career, rather than as a hobby.
"Steve Davis plays snooker professionally."
"She has played the violin professionally since she was nineteen."
"My cousin used to cook for fun, but now he cooks professionally in a busy restaurant."
"Few people can paint professionally, so she keeps her office job as well."
2
In a manner that meets professional standards of conduct.
"You handled that customer's complaint very professionally."
"He handled the awkward complaint professionally, without losing his temper."
"The nurse spoke calmly and professionally to the worried family."
"Please dress and behave professionally when you meet our clients tomorrow."
"He said gardaí had responded professionally to “thuggish violence” in the area and those arrested would be “charged, named and dealt with relentlessly” by the criminal justice system."
— Jim O'Callaghan, Second night of unrest in Dublin as protesters target asylum hotel (2025)
How to use professionally
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither "for a living" or "in a competent, businesslike way," depending on context.
Common pairings
professionally trained
behave professionally
professionally managed
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Word forms
- Comparative
- more professionally
- Superlative
- most professionally
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 →
for a living
competently
in a businesslike manner
Antonyms
unprofessionally
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.
