promise

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.

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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.

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.

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.