Professor vs. Don — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on April 25, 2024
A professor is an academic title for a senior educator at a college or university, focused on teaching and research, whereas a don refers to a senior teacher or leader, especially in British universities or a title for a mafia leader.
Difference Between Professor and Don
Table of Contents
ADVERTISEMENT
Key Differences
A professor typically holds a significant academic position in higher education, responsible for conducting research, teaching, and publishing scholarly articles. On the other hand, a don in the context of universities such as Oxford or Cambridge, refers to a tutor or fellow at a college, emphasizing a more pastoral and advisory role alongside teaching.
In the hierarchy of university positions, a professor is usually the highest academic rank, indicating a high level of expertise and contribution to their field. Whereas, a don in an academic context often holds various responsibilities that may include governance and administrative duties in addition to educational tasks.
The term professor is universally recognized and associated with universities and research institutions around the world. In contrast, the title of don is more specifically used in certain British universities and may not be as widely recognized outside of the United Kingdom.
When it comes to cultural perception, the title of professor is often synonymous with a high level of knowledge and authority in a specific academic field. On the other hand, don can also refer to the head of a mafia family, especially in Italian or Italian-American contexts, which adds a layer of cultural nuance and starkly different connotations.
The professional development path to becoming a professor typically involves obtaining a doctoral degree, progressing through various academic ranks, and a significant portfolio of research. Conversely, the role of a don in an academic setting does not necessarily have a standardized path and can vary widely based on college needs and personal academic careers.
ADVERTISEMENT
Comparison Chart
Definition
Senior academic with teaching and research responsibilities
College tutor or fellow, or mafia leader
Key Responsibilities
Teaching, research, publication
Teaching, pastoral care, possibly college governance
Cultural Context
Global, especially in higher education
British universities or organized crime
Connotations
Academic expertise and authority
Academic mentorship or criminal authority
Path to Title
Doctoral degree, academic promotions
Varies by institution or specific cultural context
Compare with Definitions
Professor
Recognized expert in a specific field.
He is often cited as a professor of modern European history.
Don
A fellow or tutor at a British university.
The don at Oxford helped students navigate their studies.
Professor
Associated with scholarly activities.
The professor published three papers this year.
Don
An informal term for a senior or respected figure.
He's considered the don of local jazz musicians.
Professor
A senior academic teacher at a university.
The professor lectured on quantum mechanics.
Don
Associated with specific roles in academic or criminal contexts.
The don managed both academic duties and college governance.
Professor
Holder of a university chair.
She was named Professor of Anthropology last spring.
Don
A title used in some Spanish-speaking countries for respect.
Don Juan is a common reference in literature.
Professor
A teacher of high rank in a college.
As a full professor, he has a considerable influence on curriculum development.
Don
A leader of a mafia family.
The don controlled organized crime in the city.
Professor
Professor (commonly abbreviated as Prof.) is an academic rank at universities and other post-secondary education and research institutions in most countries. Literally, professor derives from Latin as a "person who professes".
Don
Don (also dōn) Used as a courtesy title before the name of a man in a Spanish-speaking area.
Professor
A college or university teacher who ranks above an associate professor.
Don
A head, tutor, or fellow at a college of Oxford or Cambridge.
Professor
A teacher or instructor.
Don
A college or university professor.
Professor
One who professes.
Don
The leader of an organized-crime family.
Professor
The most senior rank for an academic at a university or similar institution, informally also known as "full professor."
Don
(Archaic) An important personage.
Professor
A teacher or faculty member at a college or university regardless of formal rank.
Don
To put on (clothing or an ornament, for example)
Donned long gloves for the costume party.
Don clown make-up for the performance.
Professor
(archaic) One who professes something, such as a religious doctrine.
Don
To assume or take on
Donned the air of the injured party.
Professor
A pianist in a saloon, brothel, etc.
Don
A university professor, particularly one at Oxford or Cambridge.
Professor
The puppeteer who performs a Punch and Judy show; a Punchman.
Don
An employee of a university residence who lives among the student residents.
Professor
One who professed, or makes open declaration of, his sentiments or opinions; especially, one who makes a public avowal of his belief in the Scriptures and his faith in Christ, and thus unites himself to the visible church.
Don
A mafia boss.
Professor
One who professed, or publicly teaches, any science or branch of learning; especially, an officer in a university, college, or other seminary, whose business it is to read lectures, or instruct students, in a particular branch of learning; as a professor of theology, of botany, of mathematics, or of political economy.
Don
(MLE) Any man, bloke, dude.
Professor
Someone who is a member of the faculty at a college or university
Don
(transitive) To put on clothing; to dress (oneself) in an article of personal attire.
To don one's clothes.
Don
Sir; Mr; Signior; - a title in Spain, formerly given to noblemen and gentlemen only, but now common to all classes.
Don is used in Italy, though not so much as in Spain. France talks of Dom Calmet, England of Dan Lydgate.
Don
A grand personage, or one making pretension to consequence; especially, the head of a college, or one of the fellows at the English universities.
Don
To put on; to dress in; to invest one's self with.
Should I don this robe and trouble you.
At night, or in the rain,He dons a surcoat which he doffs at morn.
Don
A Spanish title of respect for a gentleman or nobleman
Don
Teacher at a university of college (especially at Cambridge or Oxford)
Don
The head of an organized crime family
Don
Celtic goddess; mother of Gwydion and Arianrhod; corresponds to Irish Danu
Don
A European river in southwestern Russia; flows into the Sea of Azov
Don
Put clothing on one's body;
What should I wear today?
He put on his best suit for the wedding
The princess donned a long blue dress
The queen assumed the stately robes
He got into his jeans
Common Curiosities
Are professors and dons found in all universities?
Professors are found worldwide, while dons are specific to certain British universities.
What is a professor?
A professor is a senior academic involved in teaching and research at a university.
How does one become a professor?
Typically, becoming a professor requires a doctoral degree and significant academic achievements.
What are the main duties of a professor?
Main duties include research, teaching, and publishing scholarly work.
Is the title of professor or don higher in academia?
Professor is generally a higher, more recognized academic rank.
What does a don do at a university?
A don usually teaches and provides pastoral care to students.
How does the role of a don differ in organized crime?
In organized crime, a don is a leader with authority over criminal operations.
Who is a don?
In academia, a don is a tutor or fellow at a British university; in other contexts, it can mean a mafia leader.
Can a professor also be a don?
In some contexts, such as at Oxford or Cambridge, a professor might also be referred to as a don.
What kind of respect does the title of don confer?
As an academic, it confers respect for mentorship; in crime, it denotes power.
Share Your Discovery
Previous Comparison
Lamb vs. Sheep
Next Comparison
Hornet vs. WaspAuthor Spotlight
Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
