What does pro mean?
“Pro” is an informal word with several related uses. As a noun, it usually means a person who competes or works professionally, as in “former pro,” or someone who supports a position, as in “the pros and cons of the proposal.” As an adjective, it can describe something associated with professional practice or someone who favors a particular view. The word is also used in combinations such as pro-choice, pro-life, and pro-business, where it means supporting, favoring, or beneficial to a particular side. Because “pro” is brief and informal, it is especially common in sports, media, and everyday conversation. Its pronunciation is the same in both major senses, but its meaning depends heavily on context: a “pro athlete” is an elite competitor, while a “pro proposal” is a proposal that supports a cause or viewpoint.
A person who is highly skilled or competes professionally; also, a supporter of a particular position.
"The tournament will feature several of the sport’s best pros."
Informal and especially common in sports and competitive contexts.
Favorable, supportive, advantageous, or associated with professional practice.
"The company adopted a pro-environmental policy."
The standalone adjective is informal. In combinations, it is common in formal political, social, and business usage.
The standard plural of the noun is “pros.” The possessive form is “pro's.”
"Many pros supported the new rule."
The word “pro” captures both sides of modern competition: the elite professional and the person who publicly takes a professional position.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does pro come from?
As a standalone noun and adjective, “pro” is a shortened form of “professional,” a word derived from Latin professionalis, meaning “belonging to a profession.” The same Latin word has given English related forms such as proficient and proficiency, while proceed ultimately comes from Latin procedere, built on the prefix pro-, meaning “forward.” In the separate prefix use of pro-, the meaning “in favor of” comes from Latin pro, “for” or “in favor of.”
Related word forms
How pro is actually used
As a standalone noun and adjective, “pro” is informal. In combinations such as “pro-choice,” “pro-life,” and “pro-business,” it is commonly used in formal political, social, and business contexts. The prefix “pro-” also means “in favor of” or “supporting,” as in “pro-democracy.”