promise
B1Neutral to formal. Common in all registers, from everyday conversation to legal and business contexts.
Definition
Meaning
A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.
A sign or indication of future potential or success; a cause for expectation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it denotes a commitment. As a verb, it means to make such a commitment. The word implies an expectation of fulfilment and carries a strong sense of obligation and trust.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling is identical. The verb 'to promise' is used with equal frequency in both varieties.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of trust, obligation, and expectation in both varieties.
Frequency
Equally high frequency in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
promise (sb) (that)...promise (sb) sthpromise to do sthpromise sb (that)...It is promised that...Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “promise the moon”
- “a promise is a promise”
- “full of promise”
- “land of promise”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Used for commitments to deliverables, deadlines, or quality (e.g., 'The supplier promised next-day delivery.').
Academic
Used in discussions of theoretical potential or future research directions (e.g., 'The early results hold great promise.').
Everyday
Common for personal commitments and plans (e.g., 'I promise I'll be on time.').
Technical
In computing, can refer to an object representing the eventual completion of an asynchronous operation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- He made a solemn promise to tell the truth.
- The clear sky is a promise of good weather.
- The young athlete shows great promise.
American English
- Politicians are often accused of breaking campaign promises.
- Her early work held the promise of a brilliant career.
- I need you to keep your promise.
verb
British English
- He promised to ring back later.
- The government has promised a full review of the policy.
- I can't promise anything, but I'll try.
American English
- She promised she'd call by noon.
- The company promises a full refund.
- I promise you, it won't happen again.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I promise to be good.
- He made a promise to his mother.
- She didn't keep her promise.
- The weather promises to be excellent for the picnic.
- Can you promise me you won't be late?
- His career began with a lot of promise.
- The new drug promises a breakthrough in treatment.
- Despite their promises of reform, little has changed.
- She was a child of great promise.
- The agreement holds the promise of lasting peace in the region.
- He reneged on his promise to recuse himself from the vote.
- The technology, while promising, is still in its infancy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PROfessional making a MISE (like 'compromise') – a professional gives their word.
Conceptual Metaphor
PROMISE IS A BOND/CONTRACT; THE FUTURE IS A PROMISED LAND.
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid using 'promise' for simple future intentions where no commitment is given. Russian 'обещать' has a wider usage. Do not confuse with 'permit' or 'allow'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: 'He promised me helping.' Correct: 'He promised to help me.' or 'He promised me (that) he would help.'
- Incorrect: 'She promised giving an answer.' Correct: 'She promised to give an answer.'
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is 'promise' used to indicate potential rather than a commitment?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it inherently carries a strong expectation of fulfilment. An 'empty promise' is a criticism because it fails to meet this inherent strength.
'Swear' is stronger and often invokes a sacred or formal authority. 'Promise' is more general, though a 'solemn promise' approaches the strength of 'swear'.
Yes, as an intransitive verb: 'I can't promise, but I'll do my best.' As a noun: 'A promise is a promise.'
The main adjective is 'promising' (showing potential). There is also 'promissory' (formal, as in a 'promissory note').
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