profess

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   To claim or declare something openly, sometimes without it being true.

   He professed to be an expert, though he had never studied the subject.

2. 2
   verb

   To state a belief, feeling, or loyalty clearly and openly.

   She professed her love for him in front of everyone.

3. 3
   verb

   To pretend to feel something you do not really feel.

   They professed innocence but later admitted their guilt.

From Old French professer, and its source, the participle stem of Latin profitērī, from pro- + fatērī (“to confess, acknowledge”).

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