What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
scholar
Example
The scholar's research on climate change has been widely recognized. [scholar: noun]
Example
She is a scholar of ancient history and has published several books on the subject. [scholar: modifier]
professor
Example
Dr. Smith is a professor of physics at the university. [professor: noun]
Example
She is a respected professor who has published numerous articles on linguistics. [professor: modifier]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Professor is more commonly used than scholar in everyday language, especially in academic contexts. Professor is a specific job title that is widely recognized, while scholar is a more general term that can refer to anyone who is highly educated and knowledgeable in a particular field.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between scholar and professor?
Professor is a more formal term than scholar, as it is a specific job title with a defined role and responsibilities. Scholar is a more general term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe someone who is highly educated and knowledgeable in a particular field.
