Professionally

Part of speech: adverb

Definitions

1. In a manner relating to or connected with a profession or occupation, especially with competence, skill, and proper conduct expected in a work setting
2. In a manner that pertains to a career or vocation, emphasizing the standards, expertise, and conduct anticipated within a professional environment
3. In a way that is associated with a job or field of work, highlighting the skills, behavior, and quality expected from individuals engaged in their profession

Etymology: The adverb "professionally" is simply the adjective "professional" with the suffix "-ly" attached, and the suffix has a long pedigree of its own. It descends from a Proto-Germanic word meaning "body" or "form," which gave rise to the sense "having the appearance or shape of," and that sense was carried through Old English "-līċe" and Middle English "-ly" into the modern ending. Put simply, "-ly" once meant "like" in the sense of "in the form of," so the original idea behind a manner adverb was something close to "in the shape of." Attached to "professional," the ending turns a noun-like quality of belonging to a calling into a description of how someone does their work. Its core meaning is therefore "in the way a member of a profession would act," with the competence and conduct that phrase implies. The adjective is the older, more fundamental piece, and the adverb follows directly from it.

Synonyms: expertly, skillfully

Antonyms: amateurishly