Professed
/prəˈfɛstɪd/
adjectiveverbB2past tense (verb), or used as adjective (past participle)
Definition
Professed is used when someone says or shows openly what they believe, feel, or think. Sometimes it means the person truly believes it, but other times it can mean they only say it, not really meaning it. It is often used with ideas, feelings, or opinions that are declared publicly.
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See It in Action
To openly declare or state a belief, feeling, or opinion
- •She professed her innocence in the court.
- •He professed his love for her in front of everyone.
- •They professed their support for the new law.
Used as adjective to describe something claimed openly, sometimes with doubt about truth
- •His professed friendship did not last long.
- •The professed goal of the group was peace, but their actions were different.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "professed" like "said" or "told," but with a strong idea that the person is making a clear, open statement about beliefs or feelings.
- ✓Picture someone standing up and loudly telling a group what they believe or feel, like a teacher declaring their love for books.
- ✓It's the feeling when you tell others something important about yourself, like "I love music," even if others might not believe you fully.
- ✓Sounds like "pro-FES-tid" → imagine a professor (pro-FES-sor) who confidently states an opinion in class.
- ✓Think of stories where a character "professes" love — they say it clearly and openly, making it known to everyone.
- ✓NOT like "thought" (private, inside your mind), "professed" is public, something said out loud or written.
- ✓NOT like "pretended" (faking), but sometimes "professed" can be used when someone says something they do not truly feel.
- ✓NOT like "whispered" (quiet), "professed" is a clear, open declaration.
Try Other Words
- •Declared: openly said or announced (Use when someone makes a formal or public statement)
- •Claimed: said something is true, sometimes with doubt (Use when truth is not certain)
- •Stated: said clearly (Use in formal or official contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "pro-" (forward, publicly) + "fess" (from Latin "fateri" meaning to admit or confess) + "-ed" (past tense/participle)
- •Etymology: From Latin "profiteri," meaning to declare openly or admit
- •Historical development: Originally used in religious or formal contexts to mean openly admitting faith or belief
- •Modern usage: Used broadly for any open declaration of beliefs, feelings, or intentions, sometimes with a hint that it might not be fully true
Reflect & Connect
•When might someone profess something but not truly believe it? Why would they do this?
•How does the word "professed" change the meaning of a sentence compared to simply "said"?
Fill in the blanks
1.She professed her love ___ everyone at the party, making her feelings very clear.
2.The politician professed ___ support for the new law, but many doubted his honesty.
3.His professed friendship was ___ when he stopped calling after a week.
4.People often profess their opinions ___ social media to share their views publicly.
5.Unlike a quiet thought, a professed belief is always ___ to others.
6.Sometimes, someone might profess ___ feelings they do not truly have.
7.The teacher professed that learning languages ___ important for the future.