oath
C1formal, legal, historical
Definition
Meaning
A solemn, formal promise, often invoking a divine witness.
1. A swear word; a profanity. 2. A statement or promise of truth, as in a courtroom.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
An oath implies a binding, sacred, or legal commitment. Its breach is considered morally, socially, or legally serious. The sense meaning 'swear word' derives from the taking of oaths being considered profane outside sacred contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning. The phrase 'to take an oath' is universal. 'Oath of office' is standard in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally formal and serious in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English due to the prominence of historical and ceremonial contexts (e.g., 'Oath of Allegiance').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
take an oath (to do something)swear an oath (of something)put/place someone under oathbe bound by an oathVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “on/under oath”
- “take the oath”
- “oath of silence”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in formal partnership agreements or executive inductions.
Academic
Used in history, law, political science, and literature discussing pledges, loyalty, or legal testimony.
Everyday
Primarily in the context of 'swearing' (profanity) or in set phrases like 'under oath'.
Technical
Central in legal contexts (court testimony, official inductions).
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The knight oathed fealty to his lord.
- They oathed an oath of secrecy.
American English
- The scout oathed to uphold the law.
- He oathed allegiance to the flag.
adverb
British English
- He swore oathfully.
- She spoke oathfully of her duty.
American English
- He answered oathfully before the committee.
- They promised oathfully to return.
adjective
British English
- The oath-bound agreement was unbreakable.
- An oath-taking ceremony.
American English
- The oath-bound testimony was crucial.
- The oath-taking process was televised.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He made an oath to be good.
- The king took an oath.
- The witness was put under oath before testifying.
- Soldiers swear an oath to protect their country.
- Breaking a solemn oath can have serious personal and legal consequences.
- The president-elect will take the oath of office next January.
- Medieval vassals were bound by complex oaths of fealty to their liege lords.
- Her testimony, given under oath, was later found to be perjured.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'OATH' as an 'OAT' you eat for breakfast plus an 'H'. You 'swear' (promise) to eat your healthy oats every morning.
Conceptual Metaphor
AN OATH IS A BOND/TIE (bound by oath), AN OATH IS A CONTAINER (full of meaning/commitment), BREAKING AN OATH IS BREAKING AN OBJECT.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'клятва' (solemn vow/promise) and 'присяга' (official oath, e.g., military). 'Oath' covers both. The sense 'swear word' translates as 'ругательство'.
- The phrase 'under oath' is a fixed legal term equivalent to 'под присягой'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'He swore on oath' (correct: *under oath* or *an oath*).
- Confusing 'oath' (promise) with 'swear word' (profanity) without context.
- Using in overly casual contexts where 'promise' is sufficient.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is the LEAST likely meaning of 'oath' in modern English?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
An 'oath' is often formal, involves a divine witness or sacred object, and has legal weight. A 'vow' is solemn and personal, often religious or marital. A 'pledge' is a binding promise but can be less formal and more secular.
Primarily yes, but it also has the informal meaning of a 'swear word' (e.g., 'He uttered a loud oath when he dropped the hammer'), which is less formal.
It is a common collocation and not considered redundant. 'Swear' is the verb for the act of taking an oath. However, 'take an oath' is equally common.
The standard plural is 'oaths' (/əʊðz/ or /oʊðz/).
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