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promise

0 antonyms and opposites of promise, grouped by meaning.

Noun — A firm statement that you will or will not do something.

How to use promise

The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.

keep a promise break a promise show promise promise to do something

Etymology

From Old French promesse, from Latin prōmissum, from prōmittō ("to send forth, to say beforehand"), from pro- ("forth") plus mittere ("to send") — the same root behind mission, admit, and permit.

Full origin of promise →

Frequently asked questions

What does “promise” mean?

The word “promise” means a firm statement that you will or will not do something. In plain terms, a firm commitment to do something, or a sign that good things are coming.

How do you pronounce “promise”?

“Promise” is pronounced PRO-mihs (/ˈpɹɑmɪs/ in IPA).

How do you use “promise” in a sentence?

Here is “promise” used in a sentence: “He kept his promise to call her every night while he was away.”

What is another word for “promise”?

Words with a similar meaning to “promise” include stipulate.

What part of speech is “promise”?

Depending on how it is used, “promise” can be a noun and a verb.

Where does the word “promise” come from?

The word “promise” comes from Latin. From Old French promesse, from Latin prōmissum, from prōmittō ("to send forth, to say beforehand"), from pro- ("forth") plus mittere ("to send") — the same root behind mission, admit, and permit.

Is “promise” a common word?

“Promise” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the A2 level.

How many meanings does “promise” have?

“Promise” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a firm statement that you will or will not do something.

What is the difference between a promise and a vow?

Both are firm commitments, but a vow is more solemn and often ceremonial — wedding vows or a vow of silence carry ritual weight. A promise is an everyday assurance that you will or won't do something. Every vow is a kind of promise, but not every promise is a vow.

What is the difference between a promise and a guarantee?

A promise is a personal assurance that you will do something, resting on trust. A guarantee is stronger and often formal or legal — a pledge frequently backed by consequences, such as a refund or compensation if it isn't kept. A guarantee raises a promise to a binding commitment.

What is an example of a promise?

Simple examples include saying 'I promise I'll call you tomorrow,' pledging to repay a loan by a set date, or a parent promising a child a trip to the park. Each is a firm statement that the speaker will, or will not, do a particular thing.

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Synonyms and antonyms from Wiktionary, CC BY-SA.