profess vs confess

Guest   Sat Aug 09, 2008 11:58 pm GMT
Any considerable difference?
Uriel   Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:00 pm GMT
Yes. To profess is to elucidate your views, as in to profess a belief in something. It is a neutral term.

To confess is to admit to something, and usually has a negative connotation -- to confess to murder, or to confess your sins.
Guest   Sun Aug 10, 2008 6:57 pm GMT
You're really good, Uriel.
"A former Edwards campaign staff member professes to be the father."
""It's completely untrue, ridiculous." He professed his love for his wife"

That goes hand in hand the explanation you've provided above.
Zenzen   Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:12 pm GMT
But "confess" can also have a positive connotation, right? Like in "to confess your love", it's not really negative.
Guest   Sun Aug 10, 2008 7:42 pm GMT
"The former North Carolina senator confessed to ABC News that he had lied repeatedly about the affair with 42-year-old Rielle Hunter. "
Uriel   Mon Aug 11, 2008 12:08 am GMT
<<But "confess" can also have a positive connotation, right? Like in "to confess your love", it's not really negative. >>

Sure, but it's not as common. And it usually implies that you are giving information that was previously withheld, whereas "profess" does not.