adj
Common
promised
PROM-ihst
Promised (adj) means Committed to happening, based on an earlier promise. Example: “The promised funding never actually arrived.”
adj
1
Committed to happening, based on an earlier promise.
"The promised funding never actually arrived."
"The promised bonus was paid at the end of the month, as agreed."
"We are still waiting for the promised repairs to the road."
2
Bound by a prior commitment to a future obligation, such as marriage.
"I am promised to another,” Nicole answered."
— , Aimie K. Runyan (2016)
"She was promised to another family since childhood, according to the old custom."
"The violins struck up and in one move the Prince swept Konstantina so close to his chest that she gasped. “Sir,” she heard herself remonstrate as they began to circle the floor, “please remember that I am promised to the Baron!”"
— Barbara Cartland, Love by Moonlight (2015)
"After a moment, as they danced, he put the question, and she said, “I am promised to Neskaya Tower."
— Marion Zimmer Bradley, Two To Conquer (2013)
"In the story, the promised bride had never even met her future husband."
"The young man was promised to a family friend's daughter by his parents."
How to use promised
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishSomething that was pledged or guaranteed earlier.
Common pairings
the promised land
promised reward
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The _____ funding never actually arrived.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for promised
raised
poised
advised
bruised
baptised
apprised
despised
surprised
exercised
disguised
civilised
televised
See all rhymes for promised →
Frequently asked questions
What does “promised” mean?
The word “promised” means committed to happening, based on an earlier promise. In plain terms, something that was pledged or guaranteed earlier.
How do you pronounce “promised”?
“Promised” is pronounced PROM-ihst (/ˈpɹɑ.mɪst/ in IPA).
How do you use “promised” in a sentence?
Here is “promised” used in a sentence: “The promised funding never actually arrived.”
What part of speech is “promised”?
“Promised” is an adjective.
Is “promised” a common word?
“Promised” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “promised” have?
“Promised” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: committed to happening, based on an earlier promise.
What is the difference between promised and guaranteed?
Both say something is expected to happen, but the strength differs. Promised rests on someone's word — a personal commitment that could still be broken. Guaranteed adds a firmer, often formal assurance, sometimes backed by a contract or refund. A promised delivery relies on trust; a guaranteed one carries a stronger safeguard.
What is an example of promised used as an adjective?
As an adjective, promised describes something already committed to by an earlier promise. You might speak of the promised payment that has not yet arrived, a promised day off, or the promised support from a partner. In each case the thing is expected because someone earlier gave their word.
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