-io

an action, process, or result

Forms

-io
-ion- — The longer form used before Latin endings.
-ion — The form carried into many English nouns.

Origin

An old Latin noun ending, inherited from earlier Indo-European word formation.

Note

The ending can name both an activity and what that activity produces.

282 / 371

noun

profession

pruh-FESH-un/prəˈfeʃn/

An occupation requiring specialized knowledge or training.

Architecture is the profession practiced with these drafting tools and models.

A skilled architect works with drafting tools and a model at a professional desk, specialized trained occupation.

Etymology

proLatinbefore, forward; on behalf of

+fessLatinadmit, acknowledge, or confess

+ionLatinan action, process, or result

Acknowledging something “forth” meant declaring it publicly. From a public declaration or vow, profession came to mean an occupation in which people declared themselves skilled.

In context

TheIHMC31:48

the army is a profession. It's not an occupation. It's a profession. And professions are experts in what they do.

Leonard Wong - Lying to Ourselves- Dishonesty in the Army Profession

More examples

She hopes to enter the medical profession after college.
Many professions require a license to practice.
He is an architect by profession.

Forms

profession · professions

professional adjective — Relating to work requiring specialized training.

Similar words

occupation: Includes any regular work, not necessarily requiring specialized training.
vocation: Emphasizes a strong personal calling rather than specialized qualifications.