English dictionary, thesaurus, translations & etymology
FreeDict.com
Login Flashcards
verb B1 Intermediate Common

swear

SWEH-uh
Quiz me More like this

Swear (verb) means to make a solemn promise or formal declaration, often under oath. Example: “The witness had to swear to tell the truth before testifying.”

verb
1
To make a solemn promise or formal declaration, often under oath.
"The witness had to swear to tell the truth before testifying."
"I swear I'll pay you back by Friday."
"Do you swear that you did not read my private diary?"
2
To use rude, crude, or offensive language.
"He swore loudly after stubbing his toe."
"Try not to swear in front of the kids."
"My grandmother never swears, even when she is very angry."

How to use swear

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo promise very seriously, or to curse using bad language — two very different senses of the same word.

Common mistake

Context tells the two meanings apart: "I swear it's true" (promising) versus "stop swearing" (cursing).

Common pairings
swear an oath swear to god swear at someone
Vocabulary Flow
Build your vocabulary from words like swear.
Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.
Start vocabulary practice

Word forms

Plural
swears
Third person singular
swears
Past tense
swore, sware, sworn, sweared
Comparative
swearer, more swear
Superlative
swearest, most swear
Test yourself on “swear” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The witness had to _____ to tell the truth before testifying.

Etymology

From Old English swerian, meaning "to take an oath," from a Proto-Germanic root related to speaking or declaring. The meaning shifted in Middle English to also cover cursing, partly because using strong language was seen as similar to swearing false or careless oaths.

Origin: Old English

Synonyms

View more →
vow pledge promise affirm declare attest blaspheme curse curse like a pagan curse like a trooper curse like a sailor cuss

Antonyms

mind one's language

Related words

say support evidence damn fellow promise confirm demonstrate

Rhymes for swear

ear year dear hear tear bear wear near fear pear gear rear
See all rhymes for swear →

Frequently asked questions

What does “swear” mean?
The word “swear” means to make a solemn promise or formal declaration, often under oath. In plain terms, to promise very seriously, or to curse using bad language — two very different senses of the same word.
How do you pronounce “swear”?
“Swear” is pronounced SWEH-uh (/ˈswɛɚ/ in IPA).
How do you use “swear” in a sentence?
Here is “swear” used in a sentence: “The witness had to swear to tell the truth before testifying.”
What is another word for “swear”?
Words with a similar meaning to “swear” include blaspheme, curse, curse like a pagan, curse like a trooper, curse like a sailor and cuss.
What is the opposite of “swear”?
The opposite of “swear” — its antonyms — is mind one's language.
What part of speech is “swear”?
“Swear” is a verb.
Where does the word “swear” come from?
The word “swear” comes from Old English.
Is “swear” a common word?
“Swear” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B1 level.
What is the difference between the two meanings of 'swear'?
'Swear' has two very different senses. The formal one means to make a solemn promise or take an oath, as in 'swear to tell the truth.' The informal one means to use offensive or crude language. Same word, but context and tone make clear which meaning applies.
What does it mean to swear an oath?
To swear an oath is to make a formal, binding promise, often calling on something sacred or on your own honour as a guarantee. People swear oaths in court to tell the truth, when taking public office, or on joining certain professions. It signals serious, solemn commitment.
What is the difference between 'swear' and 'vow'?
Both mean to make a solemn promise, and they often overlap. 'Swear' tends to suggest a formal declaration or oath, frequently in legal or official settings. A 'vow' feels more personal or ceremonial, like the vows exchanged at a wedding. The commitment is similar; the setting differs.
What is an example of 'swear' meaning to promise?
You might say 'I swear I'll pay you back,' giving your word as a guarantee, or 'witnesses swear to tell the truth' before testifying in court. In both cases 'swear' turns an ordinary statement into a solemn, binding pledge that the speaker is expected to honour.

Featured in

Vocabulary lists that include swear:

Words that end with R Words that start with S The 5000 most common English words

People also searched

say support evidence damn fellow promise confirm demonstrate