What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
profess
Example
He professes his love for her every day. [professes: verb]
Example
She professes to be an expert in the field of finance. [professes: verb]
assert
Example
He asserted his innocence in the face of the accusations. [asserted: verb]
Example
She asserted that the company was not meeting its ethical obligations. [asserted: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Assert is more commonly used than profess in everyday language. Assert is a versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while profess is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between profess and assert?
Assert is generally considered more formal than profess. While both words can be used in formal or informal contexts, assert is often used in professional or academic settings where precision and clarity are important.