Promise
'prɒmɪs
Definitions
2 meaningsA declaration or assurance that one will do something or that something will happen.
'prɒmɪs
A declaration assuring that one will do something.
She kept her promise to help me with the project.
💡 Simply: When you say you'll definitely do something, like helping a friend or finishing your homework, that's a promise. It's like a verbal agreement you make.
👶 For kids: A promise is when you tell someone you will do something for sure.
More Examples
They made a promise of peace between the two countries.
A promise to repay the loan was included in the agreement.
How It's Used
"The contract included a legally binding promise."
"He made a promise to visit his grandmother every week."
To make a declaration assuring that one will do something or that something will happen.
'prɒmɪs
To commit oneself by a promise to do or give something.
He promised to arrive on time.
💡 Simply: To promise is like making a deal with someone, saying you'll do something or give them something. It's like shaking on it!
👶 For kids: When you promise, you're telling someone you will for sure do something.
More Examples
She promised to help clean the house.
They promised to support the new initiative.
How It's Used
"I promised to call her back later."
"The company promised a refund if the product didn't meet expectations."
Synonyms
Idioms & expressions
keep a promise
To do what one said they would do; to fulfill an obligation.
"It's important to keep a promise, especially to children."
break a promise
To fail to do what one said they would do; to fail to fulfill an obligation.
"He broke his promise to help with the garden."
make a promise
To declare that one will do something or that something will happen.
"He made a promise to visit his parents every weekend."
From Middle English *promise*, from Old French *promise* (noun), *promettre* (verb), from Latin *promittere* ('to send forth, foretell, promise'), from *pro-* ('forth, forward') + *mittere* ('to send').
Used in similar contexts since the Middle Ages, reflecting the importance of commitment in legal, social, and personal contexts.
Memory tip
Think of a solemn oath or guarantee.