prof English · revision 7652

+ {{infobox|confidence=established|formation=clipping|attested=1838}}

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+ ==Pronunciation==

+ * IPA: UK /prɒf/, US /prɑːf/^(Roach et al. 2011)

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+ ==Etymology==

+ It is a colloquial shortening of [[professor]].^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)^(NODE 1998)

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+ ==Earliest recorded meaning==

+ A professor: 1838.^(Etymonline)^(OED 1989)^(MWU 2024)

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+ ==Semantic evolution==

+ It is used both of university teachers and attributively.^(OED 1989) Collins marks it informal.^(Collins 2023)

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+ ==Timeline==

+ * 1838 – a professor.^(OED 1989)

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+ ==Modern meaning==

+ ===Noun===

+ # ''(informal)'' A [[professor]].^(AHD)^(Collins 2023)

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+ ==Related words==

+ * [[professor]]

+ * [[profess]]

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+ ==Usage notes==

+ The OED also records prof as an obsolete spelling of proof and prove.^(OED 1989) The abbreviation Prof., before a name, stands for Professor.^(Collins 2023)

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+ ==References==

+ {{reflist}}