# profess

/pɹəˈfɛs/ (US) · /pɹəfˈɛs/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Verb

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/profess
Updated: 2026-05-18

## Definition

to state something officially or publicly, especially something you believe to be true. You use this when you want to show that you are committed to a specific idea or job.

For teachers: to state or declare something formally or publicly; to claim to possess a particular quality or belief. Often used in formal or academic contexts to indicate a formal declaration of status or intent.

## Examples

- He professes to be a loyal supporter of the team.
- The candidate professes to have no interest in the position, though she applied for it last year.
- While he professes to be a pacifist, his recent investments in military technology suggest a more complex and pragmatic set of priorities.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.