oath
OHTH
Oath (noun) means a solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment. Example: “Before the trial began, each juror had to swear an oath.”
noun
1
A solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment.
"Before the trial began, each juror had to swear an oath."
"The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth."
"New officers swear an oath before taking up their duties."
2
A curse word or swear word.
"The old sailor let out an angry oath when the rope snapped."
"In the book, the villain growls a bitter oath and storms off."
"He muttered an oath under his breath after hitting his thumb."
How to use oath
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA formal, serious promise (as in a courtroom or ceremony), or, less commonly, a swear word.
Common pairings
take an oath
under oath
swear an oath
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Word forms
- Plural
- oaths
- Third person singular
- oaths
- Past tense
- oathed
Fill the gap
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Before the trial began, each juror had to swear an _____.
Etymology
From Old English ath, from Proto-Germanic aithaz, meaning "oath".
Synonyms
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Rhymes for oath
See all rhymes for oath →Frequently asked questions
What does “oath” mean?
The word “oath” means a solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment. In plain terms, a formal, serious promise (as in a courtroom or ceremony), or, less commonly, a swear word.
How do you pronounce “oath”?
“Oath” is pronounced OHTH (/ˈoʊθ/ in IPA).
How do you use “oath” in a sentence?
Here is “oath” used in a sentence: “The witness took an oath to tell the whole truth.”
What is another word for “oath”?
Words with a similar meaning to “oath” include pledge, vow and avowal.
What part of speech is “oath”?
“Oath” is a noun.
Where does the word “oath” come from?
The word “oath” comes from Old English. From Old English ath, from Proto-Germanic aithaz, meaning "oath".
Is “oath” a common word?
“Oath” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “oath” have?
“Oath” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a solemn formal promise, often invoking something sacred, to tell the truth or keep a commitment.
What is the difference between an "oath" and an "affirmation"?
An oath is a solemn formal promise that often invokes something sacred, such as swearing on a holy book. An affirmation is a formal declaration with the same legal force but without any religious reference, offered by people who prefer not to swear by something sacred.
What is the difference between an "oath" and a "vow"?
Both are solemn promises, but a vow is usually a personal pledge of commitment, such as wedding vows or a vow of silence. An oath tends to be a formal, often public promise to tell the truth or fulfill a duty, frequently sworn before others or invoking something sacred.
Why is "oath" sometimes used to mean a swear word?
In its second sense, an oath is a curse word or swear word. This use comes from the way people once swore by sacred names in anger or surprise, so such exclamations became known as oaths, as in the phrase "muttering oaths."
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