fa-, fam-, fan-, fant-, fat-, -fess; fab-, fabul-

1. To declare openly, announce, affirm; to avow, acknowledge, confess oneself to be (or do) something.
2. To affirm or declare one’s faith in or allegiance to; to acknowledge or formally recognize as an object of faith or belief (a religion, principle, rule of action; God, Christ, a saint, etc.).

1. With pretense or intention to deceive: "He is only professedly poor which is not the truth."
2. By an open declaration.

1. An occupation that requires extensive education or specialized training and/or experience: James wanted to become a teacher, the same profession as his parents, and so he had to study at least four years at the university in order to achieve his objective.
2. The members of a particular occupation: Many students at the college decided to go into the teaching profession, thinking that they could improve the motivation of the children in their neighborhoods.
3. An affirmation of a religious conviction or faith: Greg and Susan believed their marriage would last forever since they had the same spiritual-minded profession of belief which they lived by respectfully.

1. Someone who earns a living in a given or implied occupation: "Nichole hired a professional to re-decorate the house.
2. A skilled practitioner; an expert: "Hugo was a computer professional who repaired Sheldon's malfunctioning word-processing program."

1. Engaged in an occupation as a paid job rather than as a hobby.
2. Showing a high degree of skill or competence.

An entertainer whose act consists of swallowing and regurgitating a variety of items: "Professional regurgitators sometimes include magicians who perform regurgitation exclusively with objects that include anything from live animals (live mice), to light bulbs, billiard balls, etc."

1. The skill, competence, or character expected of a member of a highly trained profession.
2. The use of professionals instead of amateurs.

To make an occupation professional, especially by paying the people who engage in it or improving the conditions or standards of their work.

In a professional manner, or being engaged in a specified activity as one's main paid occupation rather than as a pastime.

1. A teacher holding the highest academic rank in a college or university or simply a teacher in such institutions.
2. Someone who professes a religion or other belief; such as, the professors of true religion.

The rank, position, or period of service of a teacher or instructor in a university or college.

The retention of childlike mental or character traits into adulthood.

Tabes (wasting away) in infants with congenital syphilis.

1. Below or contrary to the standards expected in a particular occupation.
2. Not characteristic of, or befitting, one's kind of work or anyone engaged in a career.

Descriptive of someone not showing the standard of behavior or skills that are expected of a person in a skilled job.