How to pronounce profession
Say it like pruh-FESH-un. Profession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FESH).
- pruh
- FESH
- un
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Profession pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- pruhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- FESHSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- unKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of profession
American and British speakers say profession in essentially the same way: /prəˈfɛʃən/ in the US and /prəˈfɛʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: pruh-FESH-un.
What does profession mean?
- A promise or vow made on entering a religious order.“She died only a few years after her profession.”
- The declaration of belief in the principles of a religion; hence, one's faith or religion.
- Any declaration of belief, faith or one's opinion, whether genuine or (as now often implied) pretended.“Despite his continued professions of innocence, the court eventually sentenced him to five years.”
Where does profession come from?
From Middle English professioun, from Anglo-Norman professioun, Old French profession (“declaration of faith, religious vows, occupation”), from Latin professiō (“avowal, public declaration”), from the participle stem of profitērī (“to profess”).
Similar and opposite words
Similar meaning
Words that rhyme with profession
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of profession.
Questions about saying profession
How do you pronounce profession?
Say pruh-FESH-un. The American pronunciation is /prəˈfɛʃən/. In British English it is /prəˈfɛʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in profession?
Profession has three syllables, and the main stress falls on the second one (FESH). Broken into parts: pruh · FESH · un.
Do Americans and Brits say profession the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /prəˈfɛʃən/ and the British form is /prəˈfɛʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.