pro

¹

[ proh ]

adverb

1. in favor of a proposition, opinion, etc.

noun

, plural pros.

1. a proponent of an issue; a person who upholds the affirmative in a debate.
2. an argument, consideration, vote, etc., for something.

pro-

²

1. a prefix indicating favor for some party, system, idea, etc., without identity with the group ( pro-British; pro-Communist; proslavery ), having anti- as its opposite.
2. a prefix of priority in space or time having especially a meaning of advancing or projecting forward or outward, and also used to indicate substitution, attached widely to stems not used as words:

   provision; prologue; proceed; produce; protract; procathedral; proconsul.

pro

³

[ proh ]

adjective

1. professional.

noun

, plural pros.

1. a professional.
2. the pros, the professional athletic leagues, as of football, baseball, or basketball:

   He's sure to be signed by the pros.

pro-

⁴

1. a prefix identical in meaning with pro-1 , occurring in words borrowed from Greek ( prodrome ) or formed of Greek (and occasionally Latin) elements.

pro

⁵

[ proh ]

noun

, Slang.

, plural pros.

1. prophylactic ( def 5 ).

pro

⁶

[ proh ]

preposition

, Latin.

1. for.

Pro

⁷

abbreviation for

, Biochemistry.

1. proline.

PRO

⁸

or P.R.O.

1. public relations officer.

pro-

¹

prefix

1. in favour of; supporting

   pro-Chinese

2. acting as a substitute for

   pronoun

   proconsul

PRO

²

abbreviation for

1. Public Records Office
2. public relations officer

pro-

³

prefix

1. before in time or position; anterior; forward

   prognathous

   procephalic

   prophase

pro

⁴

/ prəʊ /

adverb

1. in favour of a motion, issue, course of action, etc Compare anti

preposition

1. in favour of

noun

1. usually plural an argument or vote in favour of a proposal or motion See also pros and cons
2. usually plural a person who votes in favour of a proposal, motion, etc

pro

⁵

/ prəʊ /

noun

1. informal.
   short for professional
2. slang.
   a prostitute

the internet domain name for

1. professional practitioner

adjective

1. informal.
   short for professional

Word History and Origins

Origin of pro¹

First recorded in 1400–50; Middle English, from Latin prō (preposition) “in favor of, on behalf of,” akin to Greek pró, Sanskrit pra; for, per ( def )

Origin of pro²

< Latin prō-, pro-, combining form representing prō pro ¹

Origin of pro³

First recorded in 1840–50; by shortening

Origin of pro⁴

< Greek, combining form of pró for, before; pro ¹

Origin of pro⁵

First recorded in 1945–50; by shortening

Word History and Origins

Origin of pro¹

from Latin prō (adv and prep). In compound words borrowed from Latin, prō- indicates: forward, out ( project ); forward and down ( prostrate ); away from a place ( prodigal ); onward in time or space ( proceed ); extension outwards ( propagate ); before in time or place ( provide, protect ); on behalf of ( procure ); acting as a substitute for ( pronominal ); and sometimes intensive force ( promiscuous )

Origin of pro²

from Greek pro (prep) before (in time, position, rank, etc)

Origin of pro³

from Latin prō (prep) in favour of

Origin of pro⁴

C19: by shortening

Example Sentences

He went pro as a boxer in 2020 and has since knocked out opponents such as former basketball player Nate Robinson.

From Los Angeles Times

McVay indicated there was a chance that second-year pro Warren McClendon Jr. could start against the Patriots.

From Los Angeles Times

But Greg Bonett, an attorney with pro bono law firm Public Counsel, said the city’s current proposals create a risk that could happen.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ve been out eight years, so I’m an old pro now.”

From Los Angeles Times

The stage was set with Hollywood stars and other pro athletes on hand to see the Rams make a statement in prime time, except the Dolphins made L.A. look bad.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ace
• expert
• professional