profess
verb (used with object)
to lay claim to, often insincerely; pretend to.
was professing
-
past progressiveof profess.past progressive
Used to describe an ongoing action or continuous state that was happening at a specific time in the past.
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The court heard Mr Hussain was becoming "increasingly obsessive" and was "professing his love for her" but showed "anger and frustration".
From BBC ● Oct. 27, 2022
Ruth Snyder, the wife, was professing horror and penitence, calling her paramour a low "jackal."
From Time Magazine Archive
Young Caesar, who had paid him much personal deference, was professing himself a patriot; the Commonwealth was safe again—and Cicero almost thought that he again himself had saved it.
From Cicero Ancient Classics for English Readers by Collins, W. Lucas (William Lucas)
She was professing in London for the first time in her life; she had not been in the Promenade for five minutes; and lo! the ideal admirer.
From The Pretty Lady by Bennett, Arnold
And what was the conduct of James at the very time when he was professing zeal for the rights of conscience?
From Critical and Historical Essays — Volume 1 by Macaulay, Thomas Babington Macaulay, Baron
