What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
technical
Example
The technical requirements for this job include proficiency in programming languages. [technical: adjective]
Example
The manual provides technical instructions on how to assemble the product. [technical: adjective]
professional
Example
She is a professional lawyer with years of experience in the legal industry. [professional: noun]
Example
The company has a professional code of conduct that all employees must follow. [professional: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Professional is more commonly used than technical in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be applied to various fields and occupations. Technical is more specific and is mainly used in technical fields.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between technical and professional?
Professional is generally associated with a formal and business-like tone, as it emphasizes the formal and ethical aspects of a job or career. Technical can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the subject or field it refers to.
