pro1 nounpro2 adjectivepro3 preposition
propro1 /prəʊ $ proʊ/ ●●○ noun (plural pros) [countable] 
WORD ORIGINpro1
Origin:
1800-1900 professionalEXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- a golf pro
- If there's a fish down there he'll catch it - he's a old pro.
- My accountant knows his stuff - he's a real pro.
- A pro teaches two sessions a day.
- Besides, I was one of the pros.
- During the past few months, we have again weighed upthe pros and cons of reapplying now, or waiting for the time being.
- For the Sunday the pros would be on their own, battling it out for the first prize of £500,000.
- So even two-player matches are like watching two top pros playing, albeit without the glorious sight of their beer bellies!
- The focus of the drama shifts to discovering the dangers, and weighing up pros and cons of using the magic carpet.
Longman Language Activatorexperienced in a particular job or activity
someone who is experienced knows a lot about a job or activity because they have done it for a long time: · Ms Carter is one of our most experienced teachers.experienced in (doing) something: · This job would suit someone experienced in dealing with the public.highly experienced (=very experienced): · Highly experienced cost estimators for construction projects earn around $80,000 a year.
: seasoned traveller/politician/professional etc someone who has done something regularly for a long time and knows all the problems involved: · Being a seasoned traveller, he was fully prepared for the long delay at the airport.· We need a seasoned manager to run this project.
British /practiced American someone who is practised in a particular job or skill has become good at it through experience: · A practised observer would quickly notice changes in the birds' behaviour.practised in: · Morris is a skilful salesman, practiced in the art of persuasion.
someone who has been doing something important in public life for a very long time and is respected by other people: veteran of: · Chiles, a three-term veteran of the U.S. Senate, won the governorship of Florida.veteran campaigner/statesman/broadcaster etc: · Millett is a veteran campaigner for women's rights.· Veteran diplomat Richard Murphy is heading the commission.
someone who has been doing something for a long time and knows all the best ways of doing it: · Charlie will show you what to do - he's one of our old hands.old hand at: · Nurse Baker is an old hand at dealing with difficult patients.
informal to have a lot of knowledge about something, gained from experience: · You may not want to believe me, but I do know a thing or two.know a thing or two about: · I think he knows a thing or two about football - he's been playing for 15 years.
to know how to do all the parts of a job or to be able to deal with a system because you have had a lot of experience: · The best way to learn is to spend some time with someone who knows the ropes.· People who shop at thrift stores regularly know the ropes.
informal someone whom you admire because of their great skill and experience in a particular job, profession, or activity: · My accountant knows his stuff - he's a real pro.old pro: · If there's a fish down there he'll catch it - he's a old pro.
WORD SETSaccountant, nounactuary, nounadministrator, nounadviser, nounadvocate, nounamanuensis, nounarchivist, nounarmourer, nounauctioneer, nounaudiotypist, nounbackroom boy, nounbailiff, nounbaker, nounbanker, nounbarber, nounbargee, nounbarkeeper, nounbarker, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeachcomber, nounbeadle, nounbellboy, nounbellhop, nounbiographer, nounblacksmith, nounboatman, nounboatswain, nounbodyguard, nounboffin, nounbombardier, nounbookseller, nounboss, nounbotanist, nounbouncer, nounbreeder, nounbricklayer, nounbuckaroo, nounbuilder, nounbureaucrat, nounbutcher, nounbutler, nounbuyer, nouncabin boy, nouncabinet-maker, nouncareer counselor, nouncareers officer, nouncaretaker, nouncarpenter, nouncarter, nouncashier, nouncaterer, nounCEO, nouncertified public accountant, nounchairman, nounchambermaid, nounchandler, nounchar, nouncharlady, nouncharwoman, nounchef, nounchief executive officer, nounchief of staff, nounchildminder, nounchimney sweep, nouncleaner, nounclerk, nounclothier, nounclown, nouncoastguard, nouncobbler, nouncocktail waitress, nouncollier, nouncomedian, nouncomedienne, nouncomic, nouncommercial traveller, nouncommissionaire, nouncompositor, nounconcierge, nounconfectioner, nounconsultant, nouncook, nouncooper, nouncopy editor, nouncopywriter, nouncorrespondent, nouncostermonger, nouncounsellor, nouncourier, nouncowboy, nouncowgirl, nouncowhand, nouncowpoke, nounCPA, nouncraftsman, nouncrew, nouncrewman, nouncrofter, nouncroupier, nouncurator, nouncustodian, noundaily, noundairymaid, noundairyman, noundelivery man, noundesigner, noundesk clerk, noundetective, noundick, noundietician, noundinner lady, noundisc jockey, noundispatch rider, noundistrict nurse, noundiver, nounDJ, noundocent, noundocker, noundogcatcher, noundog warden, noundomestic, noundomestic service, noundoorkeeper, noundoorman, noundowser, noundramatist, noundraper, noundraughtsman, noundressmaker, noundriver, noundrover, noundruggist, noundustbin man, noundustman, nouneducationalist, nouneducator, nounelectrician, nounengineer, nounescort, nounessayist, nounestate agent, nounexecutive, nounfarmer, nounfarmhand, nounfarrier, nounfire chief, nounfirefighter, nounfireman, nounfirst mate, nounfirst officer, nounfishmonger, nounfitter, nounflorist, nounflower girl, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfrogman, nounfruiterer, nounfunctionary, nounfuneral director, nounfurrier, noungaffer, noungamekeeper, noungarbage collector, noungarbage man, noungardener, noungatekeeper, noungaucho, noungendarme, nounghost writer, nounglazier, noungoatherd, noungoldsmith, noungondolier, noungoverness, noungovernor, noungravedigger, noungreengrocer, noungrip, noungrocer, noungroom, noungroundsman, nounground staff, nounguard, nounguest worker, nounguide, noungunner, noungunsmith, nounhack, nounhandler, nounhandmaiden, nounhandyman, nounhangman, nounharvester, nounhatter, nounhawker, nounheadhunter, nounhead teacher, nounhelper, nounherald, nounherbalist, nounherdsman, nounhired hand, nounhireling, nounhistorian, nounhomemaker, nounhomeworker, nounhouse husband, nounhousewife, nouniceman, nounillustrator, nounimpersonator, nounimpresario, nounindustrialist, nouninnkeeper, nouninspector, nouninterior decorator, nouninterpreter, nouninvestigator, nounjanitor, nounjester, nounjeweller, nounjoiner, nounjourno, nounJP, nounjudge, nounkeeper, nounlamplighter, nounlandlady, nounlandlord, nounlibrarian, nounlocksmith, nounlongshoreman, nounmagician, nounmaid, nounmaid of honour, nounmaidservant, nounmail carrier, nounmailman, nounmaitre d', nounmajordomo, nounman, nounmanagement consultant, nounmanservant, nounmason, nounmasseur, nounmasseuse, nounmatador, nounmathematician, nounmechanic, nounmedic, nounmenial, adjectivemenial, nounmerchant seaman, nounmidwife, nounmilkmaid, nounmilkman, nounmilliner, nounminder, nounminer, nounminiaturist, nounminister, nounmodel, nounmortician, nounmover, nounmovie star, nounnanny, nounnavvy, nounnewscaster, nounnewsreader, nounnight porter, nounnight watchman, nounnovelist, nounnumber cruncher, nounnurse, nounnursemaid, nounnurseryman, nounnursery nurse, nounnursing, nounobstetrician, nounoccupation, nounodd-job man, nounoilman, nounold salt, nounoptician, nounostler, nounpacker, nounpaediatrician, nounpaediatrics, nounpageboy, nounpainter, nounpalmist, nounpaperboy, nounpaper girl, nounpaper-pusher, nounparachutist, nounparalegal, nounparamedic, nounpark keeper, nounparliamentarian, nounpathology, nounpawnbroker, nounpeasant, nounpedlar, nounpen pusher, nounpensioner, nounperformer, nounpersonal assistant, nounpharmacist, nounphotographer, nounpipe fitter, nounplanter, nounplasterer, nounplaywright, nounploughman, nounplumber, nounpoet, nounpolice, nounporter, nounpostman, nounpotter, nounpractitioner, nounprinter, nounprivate detective, nounprivate eye, nounprivate investigator, nounprivate practice, nounprivate secretary, nounpro, nounpro, adjectiveprobation officer, nounprofession, nounprofessional, adjectiveprofessional, nounprofessionally, adverbprogrammer, nounproperty developer, nounprostitute, nounpsychiatrist, nounpsychiatry, nounpsychoanalyst, nounpublican, nounpublic defender, nounpublicist, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic relations, nounpublisher, nounpurser, nounquantity surveyor, nounquestion master, nounrabbi, nounradiographer, nounradiologist, nounrag-and-bone-man, nounrancher, nounranger, nounreal estate agent, nounreceptionist, nounrecruit, nounrector, nounregistrar, nounrepo man, nounreporter, nounrestaurateur, nounretailer, nounreviewer, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrookie, nounroughneck, nounroustabout, nounsailor, nounsalesclerk, nounsalesgirl, nounsalesman, nounsalesperson, nounsales representative, nounsaleswoman, nounsanitation worker, nounscalper, nounschoolmaster, nounschoolmistress, nounschoolteacher, nounscout, nounscout, verbscrew, nounscribe, nounscrubber, nounsea captain, nounseaman, nounseamstress, nounsecretary, nounsecurity guard, nounsemi-professional, adjectiveservant, nounshepherd, nounshepherdess, nounship's chandler, nounshipwright, nounshoemaker, nounshopkeeper, nounsilversmith, nounsmith, nounsoldier, nounsoldier of fortune, nounspaceman, nounspiv, nounstallholder, nounstationer, nounsteeplejack, nounsteersman, nounsteno, nounstenographer, nounstevedore, nounstockbroker, nounstoker, nounstorekeeper, nounstraight man, nounstringer, nounstructural engineer, nounstylist, nounsubmariner, nounsuperintendent, nounsurveyor, nounsweep, nounswineherd, nountailor, nountanner, nountaster, nountattooist, nountaxidermist, nounteamster, nountelecommuter, nounteller, nountemp, nountemp, verbtinker, nountobacconist, nountown crier, nountrade, nountradesman, nountraffic warden, nountranslator, nountrapper, nountravel agent, nountravelling salesman, nountreasurer, nountroubleshooter, nountrucker, nounturner, nountypist, nountypographer, nounundertaker, noununderwriter, nounusher, nounusherette, nounusurer, nounvalet, nounvaluer, nounvice-president, nounvideo jockey, nounvillein, nounvintner, nounvocation, nounvocational, adjectivewaiter, nounwaitress, nounwallah, nounwarden, nounwarder, nounwasherwoman, nounwatchmaker, nounwatchman, nounweaver, nounwelder, nounwhaler, nounwheelwright, nounwindow cleaner, nounwindow dresser, nounwoodcutter, nounwoodsman, nounworkman, nounWPC, nounwrangler, nounwriter, nounyeoman, nounzoo-keeper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES
Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis. We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· There have been further violent anti-government demonstrations this week.
Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.· Thousands joined a pro-democracy rally in the city.
We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options.· As one would expect of two old pros with an insatiable appetite for the game, we hardly stopped talking about football.· By the end of 1964, Alvin and his dancers were old pros at the exhausting business of touring.· The public -- from upstarts to old pros -- is welcome to join this latest Friends social event.
NOUN· You are the coach of the local pro basketball team, a unit that calls itself the Boston Celtics.· Then he opened a movie house and said he was definitely done with pro basketball.· She turned so fast it was like a move out of a pro basketball game.
· His first four seasons in pro football, with the Cincinnati Bengals, had been a wash.· War, like pro football, is a different game these days.· Zurich Robinson, a black pro football quarterback accused of sexually assaulting a female sportscaster.· This is how the state of Maryland will fund the pro football stadium in Baltimore.· The people of Tampa are going to build a new stadium for their perennially-dismal pro football team.
· The status of the golf pro was elevated from serfdom to secular divinity in 20 years.· Seasoned golf pros have learned to adjust for abnormal strength when they are charged up.· Which is why the majority of golf pros insist on GORE-TEX fabric.· Something the wife of a golf pro would wear to a barbecue celebrating their tenth wedding anniversary.
VERB· How often we vacillate back and forth, pro and conning things to death.
· Some have wide spools which make for longer casting. Consider all the pros and cons and choose accordingly.· I can't decide for you, but don't ignore the questions; consider the pros and cons and then decide.
· Drugs are one option, and you should discuss the pros and cons of these with your doctor.· Again, two subgroups were formed to meet and discuss the pros and cons of the various structural alternatives.· In the text, we discuss the pros and cons of the Tiebout principle itself.· At first he assumed that he had dreamed of discussing the pros and cons of murdering Ivor Newley with Dougal.
· The focus of the drama shifts to discovering the dangers, and weighing up pros and cons of using the magic carpet.· Perhaps, although we carefully weighed the pros and cons.· In calmer times I try to analyse, weighing up the pros and cons.· But it is a matter of realistically weighing up the pros and cons.· Before initiating an incident, you weighed up the pros and cons of the costs in time.· During the past few months, we have again weighed upthe pros and cons of reapplying now, or waiting for the time being.· It could only be left to each Group Organiser to weigh up the pros and cons of the situation.· If necessary use the decision-making exercise to weigh up the pros and cons of closely competing options as described previously.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY
1someone who is paid to do something, especially play a sport, that other people do for pleasure SYN professional OPP amateur: - After listening to the pros and cons, Eisenhower gave him permission to go ahead.
- Again, two subgroups were formed to meet and discuss the pros and cons of the various structural alternatives.
- Each has its pros and cons.
- Here are a few candidates with the pros and cons of each.
- Such issues must be considered thoroughly and carefully; every scheme has its pros and cons.
- The pros and cons of taking disulfiram are weighed.
- The focus of the drama shifts to discovering the dangers, and weighing up pros and cons of using the magic carpet.
a tennis pro the small gap between top amateurs and pros in golf2informal (also old pro) someone who has had a lot of experience with a particular type of situation: Cathy’s an old pro at organizing raffles.3pros and cons the advantages and disadvantages of somethingthe pros and cons of (doing) something We discussed the pros and cons of going to university.4British English old-fashioned informal a prostitute → pro forma, pro ratapro1 nounpro2 adjectivepro3 preposition
propro2 adjective informal EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- pro wrestling
- a pro basketball player
- Has he signed up one of the most formidable Arabs to ride for his expanding pro team?
- McMullen has had six fights in his pro career, winning four, losing one and drawing one.
- They have also given the lesser players their chance to see if pro golf is for them.
- They were meant to be a pro group while we were just starting out.
- Those problems aside, Acousticubes might prove to be good, quality nerve-centres for a touring, pro musician's setup.
WORD SETS
accountant, nounactuary, nounadministrator, nounadviser, nounadvocate, nounamanuensis, nounarchivist, nounarmourer, nounauctioneer, nounaudiotypist, nounbackroom boy, nounbailiff, nounbaker, nounbanker, nounbarber, nounbargee, nounbarkeeper, nounbarker, nounbarmaid, nounbarman, nounbartender, nounbeachcomber, nounbeadle, nounbellboy, nounbellhop, nounbiographer, nounblacksmith, nounboatman, nounboatswain, nounbodyguard, nounboffin, nounbombardier, nounbookseller, nounboss, nounbotanist, nounbouncer, nounbreeder, nounbricklayer, nounbuckaroo, nounbuilder, nounbureaucrat, nounbutcher, nounbutler, nounbuyer, nouncabin boy, nouncabinet-maker, nouncareer counselor, nouncareers officer, nouncaretaker, nouncarpenter, nouncarter, nouncashier, nouncaterer, nounCEO, nouncertified public accountant, nounchairman, nounchambermaid, nounchandler, nounchar, nouncharlady, nouncharwoman, nounchef, nounchief executive officer, nounchief of staff, nounchildminder, nounchimney sweep, nouncleaner, nounclerk, nounclothier, nounclown, nouncoastguard, nouncobbler, nouncocktail waitress, nouncollier, nouncomedian, nouncomedienne, nouncomic, nouncommercial traveller, nouncommissionaire, nouncompositor, nounconcierge, nounconfectioner, nounconsultant, nouncook, nouncooper, nouncopy editor, nouncopywriter, nouncorrespondent, nouncostermonger, nouncounsellor, nouncourier, nouncowboy, nouncowgirl, nouncowhand, nouncowpoke, nounCPA, nouncraftsman, nouncrew, nouncrewman, nouncrofter, nouncroupier, nouncurator, nouncustodian, noundaily, noundairymaid, noundairyman, noundelivery man, noundesigner, noundesk clerk, noundetective, noundick, noundietician, noundinner lady, noundisc jockey, noundispatch rider, noundistrict nurse, noundiver, nounDJ, noundocent, noundocker, noundogcatcher, noundog warden, noundomestic, noundomestic service, noundoorkeeper, noundoorman, noundowser, noundramatist, noundraper, noundraughtsman, noundressmaker, noundriver, noundrover, noundruggist, noundustbin man, noundustman, nouneducationalist, nouneducator, nounelectrician, nounengineer, nounescort, nounessayist, nounestate agent, nounexecutive, nounfarmer, nounfarmhand, nounfarrier, nounfire chief, nounfirefighter, nounfireman, nounfirst mate, nounfirst officer, nounfishmonger, nounfitter, nounflorist, nounflower girl, nounforeman, nounforewoman, nounfrogman, nounfruiterer, nounfunctionary, nounfuneral director, nounfurrier, noungaffer, noungamekeeper, noungarbage collector, noungarbage man, noungardener, noungatekeeper, noungaucho, noungendarme, nounghost writer, nounglazier, noungoatherd, noungoldsmith, noungondolier, noungoverness, noungovernor, noungravedigger, noungreengrocer, noungrip, noungrocer, noungroom, noungroundsman, nounground staff, nounguard, nounguest worker, nounguide, noungunner, noungunsmith, nounhack, nounhandler, nounhandmaiden, nounhandyman, nounhangman, nounharvester, nounhatter, nounhawker, nounheadhunter, nounhead teacher, nounhelper, nounherald, nounherbalist, nounherdsman, nounhired hand, nounhireling, nounhistorian, nounhomemaker, nounhomeworker, nounhouse husband, nounhousewife, nouniceman, nounillustrator, nounimpersonator, nounimpresario, nounindustrialist, nouninnkeeper, nouninspector, nouninterior decorator, nouninterpreter, nouninvestigator, nounjanitor, nounjester, nounjeweller, nounjoiner, nounjourno, nounJP, nounjudge, nounkeeper, nounlamplighter, nounlandlady, nounlandlord, nounlibrarian, nounlocksmith, nounlongshoreman, nounmagician, nounmaid, nounmaid of honour, nounmaidservant, nounmail carrier, nounmailman, nounmaitre d', nounmajordomo, nounman, nounmanagement consultant, nounmanservant, nounmason, nounmasseur, nounmasseuse, nounmatador, nounmathematician, nounmechanic, nounmedic, nounmenial, adjectivemenial, nounmerchant seaman, nounmidwife, nounmilkmaid, nounmilkman, nounmilliner, nounminder, nounminer, nounminiaturist, nounminister, nounmodel, nounmortician, nounmover, nounmovie star, nounnanny, nounnavvy, nounnewscaster, nounnewsreader, nounnight porter, nounnight watchman, nounnovelist, nounnumber cruncher, nounnurse, nounnursemaid, nounnurseryman, nounnursery nurse, nounnursing, nounobstetrician, nounoccupation, nounodd-job man, nounoilman, nounold salt, nounoptician, nounostler, nounpacker, nounpaediatrician, nounpaediatrics, nounpageboy, nounpainter, nounpalmist, nounpaperboy, nounpaper girl, nounpaper-pusher, nounparachutist, nounparalegal, nounparamedic, nounpark keeper, nounparliamentarian, nounpathology, nounpawnbroker, nounpeasant, nounpedlar, nounpen pusher, nounpensioner, nounperformer, nounpersonal assistant, nounpharmacist, nounphotographer, nounpipe fitter, nounplanter, nounplasterer, nounplaywright, nounploughman, nounplumber, nounpoet, nounpolice, nounporter, nounpostman, nounpotter, nounpractitioner, nounprinter, nounprivate detective, nounprivate eye, nounprivate investigator, nounprivate practice, nounprivate secretary, nounpro, nounpro, adjectiveprobation officer, nounprofession, nounprofessional, adjectiveprofessional, nounprofessionally, adverbprogrammer, nounproperty developer, nounprostitute, nounpsychiatrist, nounpsychiatry, nounpsychoanalyst, nounpublican, nounpublic defender, nounpublicist, nounpublic prosecutor, nounpublic relations, nounpublisher, nounpurser, nounquantity surveyor, nounquestion master, nounrabbi, nounradiographer, nounradiologist, nounrag-and-bone-man, nounrancher, nounranger, nounreal estate agent, nounreceptionist, nounrecruit, nounrector, nounregistrar, nounrepo man, nounreporter, nounrestaurateur, nounretailer, nounreviewer, nounroadie, nounroad manager, nounrookie, nounroughneck, nounroustabout, nounsailor, nounsalesclerk, nounsalesgirl, nounsalesman, nounsalesperson, nounsales representative, nounsaleswoman, nounsanitation worker, nounscalper, nounschoolmaster, nounschoolmistress, nounschoolteacher, nounscout, nounscout, verbscrew, nounscribe, nounscrubber, nounsea captain, nounseaman, nounseamstress, nounsecretary, nounsecurity guard, nounsemi-professional, adjectiveservant, nounshepherd, nounshepherdess, nounship's chandler, nounshipwright, nounshoemaker, nounshopkeeper, nounsilversmith, nounsmith, nounsoldier, nounsoldier of fortune, nounspaceman, nounspiv, nounstallholder, nounstationer, nounsteeplejack, nounsteersman, nounsteno, nounstenographer, nounstevedore, nounstockbroker, nounstoker, nounstorekeeper, nounstraight man, nounstringer, nounstructural engineer, nounstylist, nounsubmariner, nounsuperintendent, nounsurveyor, nounsweep, nounswineherd, nountailor, nountanner, nountaster, nountattooist, nountaxidermist, nounteamster, nountelecommuter, nounteller, nountemp, nountemp, verbtinker, nountobacconist, nountown crier, nountrade, nountradesman, nountraffic warden, nountranslator, nountrapper, nountravel agent, nountravelling salesman, nountreasurer, nountroubleshooter, nountrucker, nounturner, nountypist, nountypographer, nounundertaker, noununderwriter, nounusher, nounusherette, nounusurer, nounvalet, nounvaluer, nounvice-president, nounvideo jockey, nounvillein, nounvintner, nounvocation, nounvocational, adjectivewaiter, nounwaitress, nounwallah, nounwarden, nounwarder, nounwasherwoman, nounwatchmaker, nounwatchman, nounweaver, nounwelder, nounwhaler, nounwheelwright, nounwindow cleaner, nounwindow dresser, nounwoodcutter, nounwoodsman, nounworkman, nounWPC, nounwrangler, nounwriter, nounyeoman, nounzoo-keeper, noun
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Most young talented players are determined to turn pro.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis. We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options.
1paid to do something, especially play a sport, that other people do for pleasure SYN professionalturn/go pro Most young talented players are determined to turn pro.· There have been further violent anti-government demonstrations this week.
Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.· Thousands joined a pro-democracy rally in the city.
We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options. Most young talented players are determined to turn pro.2American English played or done by people who are paid for what they do: pro basketballpro1 nounpro2 adjectivepro3 preposition
propro3 preposition WORD ORIGINpro3
Origin:
1300-1400 Latin ‘for’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- The party claims to be very pro family.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis. We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options.
if you are pro an idea, suggestion etc, you support it: · There have been further violent anti-government demonstrations this week.
Fees are calculated on a pro rata basis.· Thousands joined a pro-democracy rally in the city.
We’re still weighing up the pros and cons (=the advantages and disadvantages) of the two options. As a party, they had always been pro family.