esteemed professor

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "esteemed professor" is a perfectly acceptable and commonly used phrase in written English.
You can use it when referring to a professor who is held in high esteem or respect. For example: "The esteemed professor, Dr. Smith, has been teaching at our university for over 20 years."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

I'm with the esteemed professor on that.

The Guardian

SZOGYI--Alex, esteemed professor, devoted friend and dear mentor.

The New York Times

From the humblest janitor to the most esteemed professor, everyone belongs to the same community and is equally important.

The New York Times

The Hunter College community deeply mourns the passing of our esteemed professor emeritus.

The New York Times

She was a beloved wife, mother and grandmother as well as an esteemed professor of social work.

The New York Times

STERN--Barbara, esteemed Professor of Marketing at Rutgers University, Dr. Stern passed away peacefully on January 15.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

Here were these esteemed professors sitting around shuffling papers, listening to each other talk endlessly, and then planning their next meeting.

The New York Times

Re "How Much for That Professor?," by David L. Kirp (Op-Ed, Oct. 27): In my experience as a student at Stanford Law School, I have found that the most esteemed professors often make the best teachers.

The New York Times

She called it her "homework," and James McGregor, then a Wall Street Journal reporter in Beijing, began noticing Hu "working all these people, pumping them for information like a graduate student talking to esteemed professors".

The New Yorker

(On a crisp fall day, with Frisbees flying through the air, it's the picture of college life.) Esteemed professors live in the Pavilions, and high-achieving final-year students ("senior" isn't a word here, either) consider it an honor to live in the dorm rooms, which lack modern plumbing and heating, hence the stacks of firewood outside each door.

The New York Times - Travel

My enrollment had much more to do with the esteemed professors, the attention to undergraduate education and the vast array of extracurriculars than it did some number that can so easily fluctuate from year to year.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider replacing "esteemed professor" with a more specific descriptor if possible, such as "renowned historian" or "leading physicist", to provide more context and detail.

Common error

Avoid using "esteemed professor" in casual conversations or informal writing. It can sound overly formal or pretentious in settings where a simpler adjective would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "esteemed professor" functions as a noun phrase where the adjective "esteemed" modifies the noun "professor". Ludwig AI explains that the phrase indicates that the professor is held in high regard.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Academia

33%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "esteemed professor" is a common and grammatically correct way to refer to a highly respected academic. As Ludwig AI confirms, it signals admiration and recognition of a professor's contributions. While versatile, it's most suitable for neutral to formal contexts like news articles and academic papers, but avoid excessive formality in everyday settings. Alternatives such as "respected professor" or "renowned professor" can be considered for nuanced expression. With consistent usage across credible sources like The New York Times and The Guardian, this phrase maintains a strong presence in both academic and journalistic spheres.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

respected professor

Replaces "esteemed" with a synonym that emphasizes admiration and good reputation.

renowned professor

Indicates the professor is widely known and celebrated for their achievements.

distinguished professor

Highlights the professor's exceptional qualities and high standing in their field.

prominent professor

Suggests the professor is well-known and influential.

notable professor

Emphasizes the professor's worthiness of attention and recognition.

venerated professor

Conveys a sense of deep respect and reverence.

highly regarded professor

A more descriptive phrase emphasizing the positive opinion held by many.

celebrated professor

Implies widespread fame and recognition for achievements.

leading professor

Suggests the professor is at the forefront of their field.

accomplished professor

Focuses on the professor's achievements and successes.

FAQs

What does "esteemed professor" mean?

The phrase "esteemed professor" refers to a professor who is highly respected and admired for their knowledge, experience, and contributions to their field.

How can I use "esteemed professor" in a sentence?

You can use "esteemed professor" to introduce or refer to a professor you greatly respect. For example, "We are honored to have the "esteemed professor" Dr. Smith as our guest speaker."

What are some alternatives to "esteemed professor"?

Alternatives to "esteemed professor" include "respected professor", "renowned professor", or "distinguished professor", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to call someone "esteemed professor" in person?

While technically correct, addressing a professor as "Esteemed Professor [Name]" can sound overly formal in direct conversation. It is generally better to use "Professor [Name]" or, if appropriate, their first name.