Profess: meaning, definitions and examples

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profess

[prəˈfɛs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

in a professional setting

To claim or declare openly or proudly. To affirm one's faith in or allegiance to. To affirm one's belief or trust in. To make a pretense of; pretend.

Synonyms

assert, avow, claim, declare, maintain.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
profess	Often used when someone declares something openly and without shame, particularly regarding beliefs or feelings. It can sometimes imply insincerity if used in a context where the declaration could be disbelieved. She professed her love for him openly. He professes to be an expert in the field, but his knowledge is lacking.
declare	Used for making an official or formal statement, often in front of others. It is a strong way to express something openly. The president declared a state of emergency. He declared his intention to marry her.
assert	Used to state something confidently and forcefully, often in a context where there may be disagreement or doubt. It carries a sense of strong conviction. He asserted his innocence despite the evidence against him. She asserted her authority in the meeting.
avow	Used when someone makes a very open and often formal declaration of something, typically something personal like beliefs or intentions. She avowed her devotion to human rights. He avowed his intention to run for office.
claim	Used when someone states that something is true, often without providing proof, and can be met with skepticism. He claimed he had seen a UFO. She claimed the money was hers.
maintain	Used when someone continues to assert something despite opposition or difficulty. It often implies persistence over time. She maintained her innocence throughout the trial. He maintained that the Earth is flat.

Examples of usage

He professes his innocence in the matter.
She professes her love for him.
They profess their loyalty to the company.
He professes to be an expert in the field.
The suspect professes ignorance of the crime.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in a professional setting

A person who professes beliefs and opinions that they do not hold; a hypocrite.

Synonyms

faker, hypocrite, impostor, phony, pretender.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
profess	This word is commonly used when someone declares or states something openly and earnestly, especially beliefs, opinions, or feelings. She professed her love for him in front of everyone. He professes to be an expert in the field, but his knowledge is limited.
hypocrite	This word describes someone who pretends to have virtues, moral or religious beliefs, principles, etc., that they do not actually possess, particularly in a way that is intended to deceive others. It has a strong negative connotation. She called him a hypocrite for criticizing others for something he does himself. The politician was revealed to be a hypocrite, preaching about climate change while flying in private jets.
pretender	Typically used to describe someone who claims or aspires to a position or title to which they are not entitled, often in historical or grand contexts. He was seen as just another pretender to the throne. She dismissed him as a mere pretender to her affections.
faker	Often used in a straightforward context to describe someone who pretends to be something they are not, usually in a dishonest way, with a negative connotation. The fortune teller turned out to be a complete faker. Don't trust him; he's just a faker.
phony	Used informally to describe someone or something that is not genuine, often with a negative connotation. Everybody knew her enthusiasm was totally phony. The salesman's charm felt phony and insincere.
impostor	Suitable for describing someone who assumes a false identity or title to deceive others, often used in more serious or formal situations. The impostor was arrested for pretending to be a police officer. He was exposed as an impostor after years of pretending to be a doctor.

Examples of usage

He's a profess when it comes to environmental issues.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'profiteri', meaning 'to acknowledge publicly'.
It entered Middle English through Anglo-French in the 14th century, retaining a similar meaning.
Originally linked to religious declarations, it has broadened to include any strong statement of belief.

Cultural Significance

In many cultures, to profess a belief can be a significant part of personal identity and social interaction.
The act of professing can be ceremonial in some religions, demonstrating faith and commitment.
Professing one's beliefs can occur in various contexts, including politics, education, and social movements.

Literature

In classic literature, characters often profess their love or convictions, showcasing their inner struggles.
Shakespeare often used the theme of professing emotions in his plays, particularly in romantic contexts.
The concept of profession can also refer to a character's occupation or expertise in various stories.

Psychology

Professing beliefs can reinforce one's commitment, affecting behavior and choices.
Expressing thoughts and beliefs publicly can influence personal identity and self-esteem.
Social psychology studies how professing beliefs can create group identity and cohesion.

Education

Professors not only teach but also profess their academic research and findings to share knowledge.
In educational contexts, students are encouraged to profess their understanding and opinions during discussions.
The role of a professor often includes mentoring students to help them confidently profess their ideas.

Translations

Translations of the word "profess" in other languages:

🇵🇹 professar

🇮🇳 प्रोफेस करना

🇩🇪 bekennen

🇮🇩 mengajar

🇺🇦 заявляти

🇵🇱 wyznawać

🇯🇵 宣言する (sen'gen suru)

🇫🇷 professer

🇪🇸 profesar

🇹🇷 bildirmek

🇰🇷 공언하다 (gong-eonhada)

🇸🇦 يعلن

🇨🇿 vyznávat

🇸🇰 vyznávať

🇨🇳 宣称 (xuānchēng)

🇸🇮 izpovedovati

🇮🇸 játa

🇰🇿 мойындау

🇬🇪 აღიარება

🇦🇿 etiraf etmək

🇲🇽 profesar

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,289, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.

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11286 thinning
11287 flip
11288 queue
11289 profess
11290 quaint
11291 boulders
11292 totaling
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