The meaning of "pro"

Question

I have a question about the word pro. Some software apps are called pro versions. What does it really mean?

When I google the meaning of pro, it shows me the result professional and prostitute. Then why are they using the name pro for software apps?

Pro does not refer to prostitution in any dialect of English I'm familiar with, except specifically when referring to a prostitute as a kind of professional (in the the oldest profession as the saying goes). There are several meanings of pro and pro-, but this is not one that should confuse anyone in reference to software. — choster, Aug 03 '14 at 01:50
Whatever site is defining pro as "prostitute" is one you should avoid using as a reference. It's either a slang dictionary or a parody, and either way is more misleading than helpful. — keshlam, Aug 03 '14 at 02:23
If you are an English-language *learner, you might enjoy our sister-site for [ell.se]. That’s because our sister-site is a Q&A site especially made for learners*, in contrast to the current English Language and Usage site, which is instead “a Q&A site for linguists, etymologists, and serious English language enthusiasts”**. — tchrist, Aug 03 '14 at 18:15

score 2 · Answer 1 · answered Aug 03 '14 at 02:31

Pro is short for professional, which generally implies remuneration, as opposed to amateur which does not.

But professional has come to also mean expert or advanced, as opposed to novice or newbie. In other words, it does not necessarily mean someone who carries out an activity for remuneration.

(A prostitute is a professional (in the first sense, of receiving remuneration). But most professionals are not prostitutes.)

score 0 · Accepted Answer · edited Aug 03 '14 at 18:14

A “pro” version of some piece of software is often a fully featured version of that software. This is as compared to “home” or “free” editions of that software, which when they exist are simpler or have less functionality or are limited to one user or computer, or which even have a licence stating that they are not intended for use at commercial organizations. “Pro” versions are usually intended for commercial use.

The meaning of "pro"

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