different between masterful vs professional

English

Alternative forms

• masterfull (archaic)

Etymology

From Middle English maysterful, maistrefull, equivalent to master +? -ful.

Adjective

masterful (comparative more masterful, superlative most masterful)

1. Of or pertaining to the manner of a master of an art, technique, profession, or craft; masterly.

   The brushwork on the skin tones was masterful.

2. In the manner of a master; very skillful.

   The masterful conducting ensured the orchestra gave of their best.

3. Having or showing the qualities of a master vis-a-vis a dependent or subordinate; authoritative; domineering.
   • 1847, Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre, Chapter 14, Rochester to Jane by the fire:

     ...do you not agree with me that I have a right to be a little masterful, abrupt; perhaps exacting, sometimes, on the grounds I stated...

   • 1868-69, Louisa May Alcott, Little Women, Chapter 38:

     When John spoke in that masterful tone, Meg always obeyed, and never regretted her docility.

   • 1908, E. M. Forster, A Room with a View, Chapter 18, Lucy to Mr. Beebe about Cecil:

     ...it was that he is so masterful. I found that he wouldn't let me go my own way.

Usage notes

Historically, definition 3 of masterful (authoritative, domineering) has long been losing ground to definitions 1 and 2 (masterly, skillful). In nineteenth century US usage of masterful, definition 3 was almost always meant (10:1). In contemporary US usage, however, the situation is reversed: definitions 1 or 2 are usually meant (10:1).

Derived terms

• masterfully
• masterfulness

Related terms

• masterly

Anagrams

• streamful

English

Etymology

profession +? -al

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /p???f???n?l/

Noun

professional (plural professionals)

1. A person who belongs to a profession
2. A person who earns their living from a specified activity
3. A reputation known by name
4. An expert.
   • 1934, Rex Stout, Fer-de-Lance, 1992 Bantam edition, ?ISBN, page 97:

     I have learned that there is a person attached to a golf club called a professional. Find out who fills that post at the Green Meadow Club; […] invite the professional, urgently, to dine with us this evening.

Derived terms

• non-professional, nonprofessional
• pseudo-professional, pseudoprofessional
• semi-professional, semiprofessional
• super professional, super-professional, superprofessional

Translations

Adjective

professional (comparative more professional, superlative most professional)

1. Of, pertaining to, or in accordance with the (usually high) standards of a profession.

   • His forefathers had been, as a rule, professional men—physicians and lawyers; his grandfather died under the walls of Chapultepec Castle while twisting a tourniquet for a cursing dragoon; an uncle remained indefinitely at Malvern Hill; […].
2. That is carried out for money, especially as a livelihood.
3. (by extension) Expert.

Derived terms

• non-professional, nonprofessional
• professionalism
• pseudo-professional, pseudoprofessional
• semi-professional, semiprofessional
• unprofessional

Translations

Catalan

Etymology

professió +? -al

Pronunciation

• (Balearic) IPA^(key): /p?o.f?.si.o?nal/
• (Central) IPA^(key): /p?u.f?.si.u?nal/
• (Valencian) IPA^(key): /p?o.fe.si.o?nal/
• Rhymes: -al

Adjective

professional (masculine and feminine plural professionals)

1. professional

Derived terms

• professionalisme
• professionalment

Noun

professional m or f (plural professionals)

1. professional

Further reading

• “professional” in Diccionari de la llengua catalana, segona edició, Institut d’Estudis Catalans.
• “professional” in Gran Diccionari de la Llengua Catalana, Grup Enciclopèdia Catalana.
• “professional” in Diccionari normatiu valencià, Acadèmia Valenciana de la Llengua.
• “professional” in Diccionari català-valencià-balear, Antoni Maria Alcover and Francesc de Borja Moll, 1962.

Dutch

Etymology

From English professional.

Pronunciation

Noun

professional m (plural professionals)

1. a professional practicioner of a trade, métier...
2. an expert in a (professional) field

Related terms

• professionalism n