Pledge
/plɛdʒ/
Definitions
3 meaningsA formal promise, especially one to do something or to give something.
/plɛdʒ/
A solemn promise or undertaking.
The students made a pledge to protect the environment.
💡 Simply: A pledge is like making a serious pinky promise to someone, but it's written down and important. For example, if you pledge to donate money, you're promising to give it.
👶 For kids: A pledge is like making a super special promise that you really, really mean!
More Examples
He gave a pledge of loyalty to the new leader.
The organization relies on membership pledges to fund their activities.
How It's Used
"The university requires a signed pledge from all donors."
"Children often recite the Pledge of Allegiance in school."
To make a solemn promise to do or give something.
/plɛdʒ/
To commit or promise formally.
She pledged to support the charity.
💡 Simply: To pledge is like saying, "I promise and I'll do it!" It's like when you tell a friend you'll help them move, you're pledging your help.
👶 For kids: To pledge means to say you promise to do something.
More Examples
He pledged allegiance to the flag.
The company pledged to reduce its carbon footprint.
How It's Used
"The candidate pledged to lower taxes."
"She pledged her savings to secure the loan."
Something given as a security for a loan or promise.
/plɛdʒ/
Something deposited or given as security.
The heirloom jewelry was a pledge for the business loan.
💡 Simply: In older times, if you borrowed money, you might have to leave something valuable as a pledge, a way of showing you’d pay the lender back. This also means you must pay for it, or they keep it.
👶 For kids: Sometimes when you borrow something, you give the lender a toy as something that shows you'll bring it back.
More Examples
The bank held the property as a pledge until the mortgage was paid off.
How It's Used
"The car was held as a pledge against the loan."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
Pledge of Allegiance
A patriotic oath of loyalty.
"The students recited the Pledge of Allegiance before the school day began."
To pledge allegiance
To express loyalty or commitment to something or someone.
"Citizens are expected to pledge allegiance to their country."
From Old French *plege* (guarantee, security), from a Germanic source related to the word for 'wager'. It evolved to mean a solemn promise or a guarantee.
Historically, a pledge involved a more tangible form of guarantee, such as providing collateral or hostages.
Memory tip
Think of a solemn promise or a signed agreement.
Word Origin
"guarantee, security"