breach of promise: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1formal, legal, literary, historical
Quick answer
What does “breach of promise” mean?
The act of breaking a promise to marry someone.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The act of breaking a promise to marry someone.
More generally, any failure to fulfill a solemn promise or pledge, especially one with legal or formal implications. In historical legal contexts, it specifically referred to a cause of action for damages when an engagement to marry was broken.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term refers to the same legal-historical concept in both varieties. The action for 'breach of promise to marry' was abolished in England and Wales in 1970 and in most US states in the 1930s-40s.
Connotations
Both varieties share historical/judicial connotations. It might be slightly more common in British historical novels/drama due to the prevalence of the theme in 19th-century British literature.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary legal use. Slightly higher frequency in figurative/literary use, largely equivalent between regions.
Grammar
How to Use “breach of promise” in a Sentence
to sue [someone] for breach of promiseto bring an action for breach of promiseto be guilty of breach of promisea claim/case of breach of promiseVocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “breach of promise” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was sued for breaching his promise of marriage.
- She threatened to bring an action after he breached his promise.
American English
- He breached his promise to marry her, leading to a famous lawsuit.
- The historical tort addressed those who breached a promise to marry.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
American English
- Not applicable. No standard adverbial form.
adjective
British English
- The breach-of-promise case was scandalous.
- He faced breach-of-promise proceedings.
American English
- The breach-of-promise suit made headlines.
- A breach-of-promise claim required proof of a formal engagement.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Could be used metaphorically for a major broken contractual commitment, e.g., 'The CEO viewed the withdrawn investment as a breach of promise.'
Academic
Used in historical, legal, or literary studies discussing 19th-century social customs and law.
Everyday
Very rare in casual speech. Might be used humorously or dramatically for any significant broken promise.
Technical
A historical term in law. No longer a live cause of action in most jurisdictions.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “breach of promise”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “breach of promise”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “breach of promise”
- Using it to mean any minor broken promise. Confusing it with 'breach of contract', which is a broader, modern legal term. Incorrectly using it as a verb phrase, e.g., 'He breached promise to her' (should be 'He breached his promise to her' or 'He was guilty of breach of promise').
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, in almost all English-speaking jurisdictions, the specific legal action for 'breach of promise to marry' has been abolished by statute (e.g., 1970 in England).
It is technically correct but very formal and historically weighted. For everyday promises, terms like 'broken promise' or 'going back on one's word' are more natural.
'Breach of contract' is a broad, modern legal term for violating any binding agreement. 'Breach of promise' was a specific, now-archaic action for breaking a promise to marry, which was not always considered a formal contract.
It remains in the cultural lexicon due to its frequent appearance in 19th and early 20th-century literature, theatre, and film, often as a plot device involving scandal and social ruin.
The act of breaking a promise to marry someone.
Breach of promise is usually formal, legal, literary, historical in register.
Breach of promise: in British English it is pronounced /ˌbriːtʃ əv ˈprɒmɪs/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌbriːtʃ əv ˈprɑːmɪs/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “He jilted her. (informal equivalent for marriage promise)”
- “Go back on one's word.”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a BRIDGE (sounds like 'breach') of promises connecting two people. If one person destroys the bridge, it's a BREACH OF PROMISE.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROMISE IS A BOND/CONTRACT. BREACHING A PROMISE IS BREAKING THAT BOND.
Practice
Quiz
In modern figurative use, 'breach of promise' most strongly implies: