profess
verb (used with object)
to lay claim to, often insincerely; pretend to.
were 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.
She pushes the next generation to channel energy and anger into change: “Look at the ideals George Washington and the others were professing to advance, the ideals this country was founded on,” she says.
From Seattle Times ● Oct. 11, 2020
In January 2007, they patched up their friendship via social media and by February were professing their unwavering love for each other.
From New York Times ● Mar. 1, 2019
Yes, actual humans were professing to feel badly that the poor, disrespected Masters would be sullied by Tiger Woods’s return.
From New York Times ● Mar. 17, 2010
The returned men were generally in good health, particularly the native porters, who were professing they had enjoyed the trip as a sort of great picnic at high wages.
From Time Magazine Archive
"But," says one, "these fellows were professing this with the hope of getting out."
From The Prison Chaplaincy, And Its Experiences by Hosea Quinby
