Definition of professor

The word "professor" has its roots in Latin. The term "professio" referred to a public declaration or avowal of one's profession or calling. In the 14th century, the Latin "professio" evolved into the French word "profession," which meant a declaration of intent or a formal declaration of one's profession. The term "professor" emerged in the 15th century from the French "professeur," a title used to refer to a teacher or instructor who made public declarations of their knowledge and expertise in a particular field. In modern English, a professor is typically a respected academic scholar who has achieved a high level of expertise in their field and is recognized as an authority. So, in essence, the word "professor" originally meant someone who publicly declared their profession or expertise, and over time, the title came to be associated with academic scholars who have earned a high level of respect and authority in their field.