vow
vow
Vow (noun) means a solemn, formal promise, especially one made as part of a religious or ceremonial commitment. Example: “The couple exchanged wedding vows in front of their families.”
noun
1
A solemn, formal promise, especially one made as part of a religious or ceremonial commitment.
"The couple exchanged wedding vows in front of their families."
"He took a vow of silence during his retreat."
"The new nuns each made a vow of poverty."
verb
1
To make a solemn promise.
"She vowed to finish the marathon no matter what."
"He vowed revenge after losing the contract."
"He vowed never to be late for school again."
How to use vow
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA serious promise, or the act of making one.
Common pairings
wedding vows
take a vow
vow to do something
break a vow
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Word forms
- Plural
- vows
- Third person singular
- vows
- Past tense
- vowed
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
The couple exchanged wedding _____ in front of their families.
Etymology
From Old French vu, from Latin votum, "a promise, dedication" — a doublet of vote.
Synonyms
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Frequently asked questions
What does “vow” mean?
The word “vow” means a solemn, formal promise, especially one made as part of a religious or ceremonial commitment. In plain terms, a serious promise, or the act of making one.
How do you pronounce “vow”?
“Vow” is pronounced vow (/vaʊ/ in IPA).
How do you use “vow” in a sentence?
Here is “vow” used in a sentence: “The couple exchanged wedding vows in front of their families.”
What part of speech is “vow”?
Depending on how it is used, “vow” can be a noun and a verb.
Where does the word “vow” come from?
The word “vow” comes from Latin. From Old French vu, from Latin votum, "a promise, dedication" — a doublet of vote.
Is “vow” a common word?
“Vow” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “vow” have?
“Vow” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: a solemn, formal promise, especially one made as part of a religious or ceremonial commitment.
What is the difference between a vow and a promise?
A vow is typically a solemn, formal commitment, often made in a religious or ceremonial context such as a wedding or monastic vow, while a promise can be far more casual and everyday, such as promising to call someone back. Vows generally carry greater weight and formality than ordinary promises.
What is an example of a vow?
Common examples include wedding vows, in which partners solemnly promise commitment to each other, and religious vows, such as vows of poverty or celibacy taken by clergy or monks. Both involve a formal, often public declaration of intent.
Can vow be used as both a noun and a verb?
Yes, vow functions as a noun meaning a solemn promise, as in "wedding vows," and as a verb meaning to make such a promise, as in "she vowed to return." Both forms describe the same underlying idea of a serious, binding commitment.
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