swear
B1Informal to formal (depending on context)
Definition
Meaning
To make a solemn declaration or promise, often invoking something sacred as witness; to use offensive or profane language.
To assert emphatically; to bind oneself by an oath; to use vulgar, obscene, or blasphemous language as an expression of anger, frustration, or emphasis.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The meaning shifts dramatically based on context: formal/official (swear an oath) vs. informal/emotional (swear in anger). The latter is often considered impolite or offensive.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Both varieties use all meanings. The act of 'swearing in' (administering an oath) is identical. The taboo meaning (using profanity) is slightly more stigmatized in formal UK contexts, but equally common in casual speech.
Connotations
In both, the 'profanity' sense carries strong social judgement. The 'oath' sense is neutral/formal.
Frequency
The profanity sense is more frequent in casual conversation. The formal/oath sense is common in legal, political, and ceremonial contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
swear + (that) clause (I swear I saw it)swear + to-infinitive (He swore to tell the truth)swear + object + (to be) complement (They swore him in as president)swear + at + person (She swore at the driver)swear + by + thing (He swears by that old remedy)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “swear like a trooper/sailor”
- “swear black is white”
- “swear on your mother's grave”
- “swear someone to secrecy”
- “swear up and down”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare, except in formal contexts like 'swear an affidavit' or 'sworn testimony'.
Academic
Used in historical/legal contexts regarding oaths; the profanity sense is generally avoided.
Everyday
Very common for both emphatic promises ('I swear I'll do it') and for referring to/taboo use of bad language.
Technical
Legal: 'sworn statement', 'swear a jury in'.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The witness will swear on the Bible before giving evidence.
- He swore loudly when he stubbed his toe on the kerb.
- I could have sworn I left my brolly here.
American English
- The president-elect will be sworn in on January 20th.
- She swore at the car that cut her off on the freeway.
- I swear, I had nothing to do with it!
adverb
British English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
American English
- Not commonly used as a standalone adverb.
adjective
British English
- He gave a sworn affidavit to the court.
- Keep away from his sworn enemies.
American English
- The document was accompanied by a sworn statement.
- They are my sworn allies in this matter.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- Don't swear! It's not nice.
- I swear I will help you.
- You must swear to tell the truth in court.
- He swore because he was very angry.
- The new citizens swore allegiance to the country.
- She swore blind that she hadn't touched the money.
- The agent was sworn to secrecy regarding the mission details.
- He swore vengeance on those who had betrayed him.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a SQUARE who must SWEAR to be honest and fair. Both words share 'swear' sounds.
Conceptual Metaphor
SPEECH IS A BINDING FORCE (to swear an oath); ANGER IS A PRESSURE RELEASED THROUGH PROFANE SPEECH (to swear at someone).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'sweat' (потеть). The Russian 'клясться' covers the 'oath' sense well, but the profanity sense ('ругаться матом') is a different conceptual field. Avoid directly translating 'I swear!' as 'Я клянусь!' in casual contexts where it sounds overly dramatic.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect prepositions: 'I swore on him' (wrong) vs. 'I swore at him' (correct). Tense confusion: 'swore' (past) vs. 'sworn' (past participle).
Practice
Quiz
Which use of 'swear' is considered formal and official?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. It has two main meanings: one formal (to take an oath) and one informal/offensive (to use curse words). Context tells you which.
'Swear' is stronger and more formal, often implying a sacred or legal binding. 'Promise' is more general and common in everyday speech.
It means to have great confidence in and recommend something strongly (e.g., 'My grandmother swears by this honey for a sore throat').
A written statement of facts confirmed by the signer to be true under penalty of perjury, often used in legal proceedings.