| https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/professional adj sense 1c >characterized by or conforming to the technical or ethical standards of a profession >"did a competent, professional job" >exhibiting a courteous, conscientious, and generally businesslike manner in the workplace
professional behavior/attire >"I thought the whole meeting was going to fall apart but you rescued it like a true professional!" As you can see there's more than 1 sense for the word, I didn't just make it up, it's a well established use of the word. The definition you refer to is the 2nd sense: >a: participating for gain or livelihood in an activity or field of endeavor often engaged in by amateurs > "a professional golfer/poker player" >"Few think of Idaho as fertile ground for developing professional baseball players." >b: having a particular profession as a permanent career >"a professional soldier" >c: engaged in by persons receiving financial return > "plays professional football/sports/poker" |