promise

[ prom-is ]

noun

1. a declaration that something will or will not be done, given, etc., by one:

   unkept political promises.

2. an express assurance on which expectation is to be based:

   promises that an enemy will not win.

   Synonyms: pledge, word

3. something that has the effect of an express assurance; indication of what may be expected.
4. indication of future excellence or achievement:

   a writer who shows promise.

5. something that is promised.

verb (used with object)

, prom·ised, prom·is·ing.

1. to engage or undertake by promise (usually used with an infinitive or a clause as object):

   She promised to go tomorrow.

   Synonyms: agree, covenant, pledge

2. to make a promise of (some specified act, gift, etc.):

   to promise help.

3. to make a promise of something to (a specified person):

   Promise me that you will come.

4. to afford ground for expecting:

   The sky promised a storm.

5. to engage to join in marriage.
6. to assure (used in emphatic declarations):

   I won't go there again, I promise you that!

verb (used without object)

, prom·ised, prom·is·ing.

1. to afford ground for expectation (often followed by well or fair ):

   His forthcoming novel promises well.

2. to make a promise.

promise

/ ˈprɒmɪs /

verb

1. often foll byto; when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive to give an assurance of (something to someone); undertake (to do something) in the future

   I promise that I will come

2. tr to undertake to give (something to someone)

   he promised me a car for my birthday

3. when tr, takes an infinitive to cause one to expect that in the future one is likely (to be or do something)

   she promises to be a fine soprano

4. usually passive to engage to be married; betroth

   I'm promised to Bill

5. tr to assure (someone) of the authenticity or inevitability of something (often in the parenthetic phrase I promise you, used to emphasize a statement)

   there'll be trouble, I promise you

noun

1. an undertaking or assurance given by one person to another agreeing or guaranteeing to do or give something, or not to do or give something, in the future
2. indication of forthcoming excellence or goodness

   a writer showing considerable promise

3. the thing of which an assurance is given

Derived Forms

• ˈpromiser, noun

Other Words From

• promis·a·ble adjective
• promise·ful adjective
• promis·er noun
• outpromise verb (used with object) outpromised outpromising
• over·promise verb (used with object) overpromised overpromising
• pre·promise noun verb (used with object) prepromised prepromising
• quasi-promised adjective
• re·promise verb repromised repromising
• un·promised adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of promise¹

First recorded in 1375–1425; (noun) late Middle English promis(se), from Medieval Latin prōmissa, from Latin prōmissum, noun use of neuter past participle of prōmittere “to promise,” literally, “to send forth,” equivalent to prō- pro- ¹ + mittere “to send”; (verb) late Middle English promisen, derivative of the noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of promise¹

C14: from Latin prōmissum a promise, from prōmittere to send forth

Idioms and Phrases

see lick and a promise .

Example Sentences

“The executive will be doing their best that is our promise.”

From BBC

So before the Santo Niño, I asked, what could Jurado promise her new constituents?

From Los Angeles Times

As we have seen in the stories of these families years later, his policies had devastating effects then, and they promise to again.

From Los Angeles Times

Despite the alleged promise, Grasso later submitted a written declaration on behalf of Colomey.

From Los Angeles Times

Plus, their defensive line has shown real promise despite the retirement of future Hall of Famer Aaron Donald.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• affirm
• agree
• assure
• commit
• declare
• ensure
• guarantee
• vow