What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
purport
Example
The purport of his speech was to inspire hope and unity. [purport: noun]
Example
The article purports to provide a comprehensive analysis of the issue. [purports: verb]
profess
Example
She professes her love for him every day. [professes: verb]
Example
He is a professor who professes his passion for teaching. [profess: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Profess is more commonly used than purport in everyday language. Profess is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while purport is less common and often used in specific academic or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between purport and profess?
While purport is typically associated with a formal and objective tone, profess is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
