Explanation:

- The word "profess" generally means to affirm openly or to declare belief in something. It implies a public declaration of belief, opinion, or intention.

- Option 1: admit - This means to acknowledge or confess something, often a fact or truth. While related in the context of acknowledging something, it does not fully capture the broader intent of professing.

- Option 2: teach - This involves instructing or educating others. It is not typically synonymous with profess as teaching doesn't inherently imply declaring beliefs or opinions.

- Option 3: lead - This means to guide or direct others. It's not closely related to professing beliefs or declarations.

- Option 4: predict - This means to declare what will happen in the future. It doesn't align closely with the meaning of profess.

The closest synonym to "profess" from the given options:

- Option 1: admit