adj
Common
sworn
swawn
Sworn (adj) means Made or declared formally under oath. Example: “The witness signed a sworn affidavit before the clerk at the courthouse.”
adj
1
Made or declared formally under oath.
"The witness signed a sworn affidavit before the clerk at the courthouse."
"She gave a sworn statement to the police."
"He is a sworn witness in the upcoming trial."
2
Bound by a firm commitment, as if by an oath — often describing enemies or allies.
"They remained sworn allies, ready to defend each other whatever happened."
"The cat and the neighbour's dog are sworn enemies who never share the garden."
"The two rivals had been sworn enemies since childhood."
How to use sworn
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishFormally promised or declared, often under oath — or, informally, fiercely committed (as in "sworn enemies").
Common pairings
sworn statement
sworn testimony
sworn enemy
sworn in
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Etymology
The past participle of swear, from Old English sworen.
Related words
Rhymes for sworn
See all rhymes for sworn →Frequently asked questions
What does “sworn” mean?
The word “sworn” means made or declared formally under oath. In plain terms, formally promised or declared, often under oath — or, informally, fiercely committed (as in "sworn enemies").
How do you pronounce “sworn”?
“Sworn” is pronounced swawn (/swɔɹn/ in IPA).
How do you use “sworn” in a sentence?
Here is “sworn” used in a sentence: “She gave a sworn statement to the police.”
What part of speech is “sworn”?
“Sworn” is an adjective.
Where does the word “sworn” come from?
The word “sworn” comes from Old English. The past participle of swear, from Old English sworen.
Is “sworn” a common word?
“Sworn” is a fairly common word in modern English.
How many meanings does “sworn” have?
“Sworn” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: made or declared formally under oath.
What is the difference between sworn and swore?
Sworn is the past participle of the verb "swear," used with "have" or "be," as in "he has sworn an oath." Swore is the simple past tense, as in "she swore an oath yesterday."
What are sworn enemies?
Sworn enemies are people or groups bound in firm, lasting opposition to one another, as if by an oath. The word sworn here stresses how deep and committed the hostility is.
What is the difference between sworn and vowed?
Both involve a solemn promise. Sworn typically implies a formal declaration under oath, often legal or official, while vowed suggests a personal, heartfelt promise. A witness is sworn in, whereas a person vows to change.
What words commonly go with sworn?
Common collocations include "sworn statement," "sworn testimony," "sworn enemy," and "sworn in." The first two involve legal oaths, while "sworn in" refers to formally taking up an official role under oath.
