pro
fess
Third Person
professes
Present Participle
professing
Past Tense
professed
Past Participle
professed
1
to openly declare a belief, opinion, or intention
transitive
- The artist professed that her paintings were inspired by the beauty of nature and the emotions they evoke.
- After initial denials, the company finally professed that safety protocols had been violated in the accident.
- He professed his innocence to the police, claiming he was nowhere near the scene of the crime at the time of the incident.
- The author professed that his controversial novel was a reflection of societal issues that needed to be addressed.
2
to teach a particular academic topic in a formal educational setting
transitive
- Dr. Smith professes chemistry at the university.
- As a distinguished professor of literature, she professes Shakespearean studies.
- He was honored to be invited to profess astrophysics at the prestigious institute.
- Throughout her career, she has passionately professed environmental science.
- Despite his retirement, Professor Miller continues to profess mathematics as a visiting lecturer.
3
to declare or acknowledge one's adherence to a particular faith or belief system
transitive
- She professes Christianity, attending church services regularly and participating in community programs.
- Despite growing up in a secular household, he now professes Islam.
- He professes Buddhism, practicing meditation and following the Noble Eightfold Path to attain enlightenment.
- The king publicly professes Judaism, leading his kingdom in observance of Jewish holidays and customs.
- He professes Sikhism, wearing the distinctive articles of faith and actively participating in seva, or selfless service.
4
to falsely assert or pretend to have a quality, feeling, etc.
transitive
- Despite his lack of experience, he professed expertise in the field to impress potential employers.
- She professed to be a staunch supporter of environmental causes, yet her actions suggested otherwise.
- He professed undying love for his partner, but his infidelity revealed his true feelings.
- The con artist professed to be a wealthy businessman, but in reality, he was living off stolen funds.
- The politician professed to have the best interests of the people at heart, but his actions were driven by personal gain.
Synonyms:
5
to formally admit someone into a religious order or community
transitive
- After completing her novitiate and discernment period, Sister Mary was professed as a nun in the convent.
- Following months of preparation and spiritual guidance, the candidate was finally professed as a member of the Franciscan order
- The seminarian was officially professed as a priest in the diocese.
- His decision to be professed as a brother in the religious community was met with joy and support from his fellow members.
- The abbess presided over the ceremony where the novices would be professed as sisters of the order.
6
to openly declare one's belief or opinion about something without reservations
transitive
- During her speech, the advocate professed her strong support for political reforms.
- As an environmental activist, she professes the importance of raising awareness about climate change.
- Most members of the congregation professed a belief in God and adherence to the church's teachings.
- He professed undying love for his partner.