verb
Common
pledge
plehj
Pledge (verb) means to make a solemn promise to do something. Example: “Each volunteer pledged to give two hours a week to the project.”
verb
1
To make a solemn promise to do something.
"Each volunteer pledged to give two hours a week to the project."
"The charity pledged to double its donations this year."
"He pledged his support for the campaign."
2
To hand something over as security for a loan or debt.
"He pledged his car to the bank to get the loan."
"Farmers sometimes pledge their land as security for a new tractor."
"She pledged her jewellery to secure the loan."
noun
1
A solemn promise.
"The new mayor kept her pledge to repair the old bridge."
"She made a pledge to run every single morning."
"They made a pledge to stay in touch after graduation."
2
Something handed over as security or collateral.
"The pawnbroker kept her ring as a pledge until she repaid him."
"He offered his house as a pledge for the business loan."
"The watch was left as a pledge until the debt was repaid."
How to use pledge
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA firm promise, or an item handed over as a guarantee that a promise or debt will be honoured.
Common pairings
make a pledge
pledge allegiance
pledge support
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Word forms
- Plural
- pledges
- Third person singular
- pledges
- Past tense
- pledged
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Each volunteer _____ to give two hours a week to the project.
Etymology
From Old French plege, from Medieval Latin plevium, ultimately from a Frankish word meaning "to guarantee." Related to plight.
Synonyms
View more →Related words
Rhymes for pledge
See all rhymes for pledge →Frequently asked questions
What does “pledge” mean?
The word “pledge” means to make a solemn promise to do something. In plain terms, a firm promise, or an item handed over as a guarantee that a promise or debt will be honoured.
How do you pronounce “pledge”?
“Pledge” is pronounced plehj (/plɛd͡ʒ/ in IPA).
How do you use “pledge” in a sentence?
Here is “pledge” used in a sentence: “The charity pledged to double its donations this year.”
What part of speech is “pledge”?
Depending on how it is used, “pledge” can be a verb and a noun.
Where does the word “pledge” come from?
The word “pledge” comes from Medieval Latin. From Old French plege, from Medieval Latin plevium, ultimately from a Frankish word meaning "to guarantee." Related to plight.
Is “pledge” a common word?
“Pledge” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “pledge” have?
“Pledge” has 4 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: to make a solemn promise to do something.
What is the difference between a "pledge" and a "promise"?
A pledge is a solemn promise, so every pledge is a promise, but not every promise is a pledge. "Pledge" suggests something formal, serious, and often public — you promise to call a friend back, but you pledge allegiance or pledge money to a cause.
What is the difference between a "pledge", a "vow", and an "oath"?
All three are solemn promises, but they differ in setting. An oath is typically sworn formally, often in a legal or ceremonial context; a vow is a deeply personal solemn promise, as in marriage vows; and a pledge is a solemn commitment that is often public or financial, such as a pledge to donate.
