What does "promise" mean?
An oath or affirmation; a vow.
Promise
/ˈpɹɒmɪs/ name, noun, verb
name, noun, verb ·Common ·Middle school level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: An oath or affirmation; a vow.
- Grammar: promise is listed as name, noun, verb.
- Nearest alternatives: accede, accord, actuarial prediction, adumbration.
- Useful contrasts: breach, break, disappoint.
- Usage evidence: The slowest one to make a promise is the most faithful one in keeping it.
How to use "promise"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "promise" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "promise" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "promise" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "promise" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "promise" is acting as name, noun, verb in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "accede" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "promise", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 An oath or affirmation; a vow. countable
"When I make a promise, I always stick to it."
- 2 grounds for feeling hopeful about the future wordnet
- 3 A transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use. countable
"He purſued Andrew Houſtoun upon his promiſe, to give him the like Sallary for the next year, and in abſence obtained him to be holden as confeſt and Decerned."
- 4 a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future wordnet
- 5 Reason to expect improvement or success; potential. uncountable
"My native country was full of youthful promise."
Show 2 more definitions
- 6 A placeholder object representing the eventual result of an asynchronous operation. countable
"You can often use observables instead of promises to deliver values asynchronously."
- 7 Bestowal or fulfillment of what is promised. countable, obsolete
"He […] commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father."
Verb
- 1 To commit to (some action or outcome), or to assure (a person) of such commitment; to make an oath or vow. ambitransitive, ditransitive
""You think that I'll take anything." "I know you will, sweet." … "There wasn't going to be any of that. You promised there wouldn't be." "Well, there is now," she said sweetly."
- 2 make a promise or commitment wordnet
- 3 To give grounds for expectation, especially of something good. ambitransitive
"The clouds promise rain."
- 4 promise to undertake or give wordnet
- 5 make a prediction about; tell in advance wordnet
Show 1 more definition
- 6 give grounds for expectations wordnet
Proper Noun
- 1 A female given name from English.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"The slowest one to make a promise is the most faithful one in keeping it."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "promise"?
Common synonyms include: accede, accord, actuarial prediction, adumbration, afford hope, agree.
How do you use "promise" in a sentence?
The slowest one to make a promise is the most faithful one in keeping it.
How do you pronounce "promise"?
Pronounced /ˈpɹɒmɪs/.
Etymology
From Middle English promis, promisse, borrowed from Old French promesse, from Medieval Latin prōmissa, Latin prōmissum (“a promise”), feminine and neuter past participles of prōmittō (“I send forth, I say beforehand, I promise”), from pro (“forth”) + mittere (“to send”); see mission. Compare admit, commit, permit, etc. Displaced native ġehātan (“to promise”) and ġehāt (“a promise”).