vow
C1Formal / Literary. More frequent in writing about commitments, ceremonies, religion, and in emotive declarations.
Definition
Meaning
A solemn promise, often with a religious or highly personal significance.
A formal, serious pledge of commitment; to make such a promise formally.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Conveys a stronger, more profound commitment than 'promise'. Often involves a binding personal obligation or a public declaration. As a verb, often used with infinitive 'to' or object clause with 'that'.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. Both varieties use the word identically. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of solemnity and commitment.
Frequency
Slightly more frequent in British English in religious contexts (e.g., monastic vows), but overall usage is comparable.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Noun: vow (to do sth)Verb: vow (that) S-V...Verb: vow to do sthVerb: vow sth (e.g., vengeance)Verb: vow + speech ("I will return," he vowed.)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “take vows (enter a religious order)”
- “vow of silence”
- “vows are made to be broken (proverb, ironic)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might appear in hyperbolic pledges: 'The CEO vowed to turn the company around.'
Academic
Moderate in historical/religious/sociological texts discussing formal commitments.
Everyday
Relatively formal but used for strong personal commitments (weddings, New Year's resolutions).
Technical
Specific in religious studies, canon law, and ceremonial language.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He vowed never to drink again.
- "This injustice will be answered for," she vowed.
- The knight vowed his loyalty to the crown.
American English
- She vowed to fight for her rights.
- The president vowed a swift response.
- I vowed that I would succeed.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- They made a vow to be friends forever.
- He took a vow of silence for one day.
- The couple exchanged traditional wedding vows.
- Breaking a solemn vow can damage trust irreparably.
- Upon entering the monastery, he took vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
- The general vowed relentless pursuit of the enemy forces.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a WOW moment when you make a VOW – it's a powerful, memorable promise.
Conceptual Metaphor
A VOW IS A BINDING TIE. (e.g., 'bound by vows', 'ties that vow'). A VOW IS A SACRED OBJECT. (e.g., 'uphold a vow').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'обет' (which is correct) and the more common 'клятва' (oath). 'Vow' is more specific and formal than general 'обещание' (promise). Avoid using 'vow' for casual promises.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect: *'I vow you I'll be there.' Correct: 'I vow *to* you that I'll be there' or 'I vow (that) I'll be there.'
- Overuse in informal contexts where 'promise' is sufficient.
- Confusing 'take a vow' with 'make a vow' (both are correct, but 'take' is more common for formal/religious vows).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the word 'vow' LEAST appropriate?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A vow is a much stronger, more solemn, and often formal or public promise, typically with moral or religious weight. A promise can be casual.
Yes, commonly. E.g., 'She vowed to return.' It is a transitive verb often followed by an infinitive ('to do'), a 'that'-clause, or direct speech.
They are often interchangeable. 'Take a vow' is more common when formally accepting pre-defined vows (e.g., religious or wedding vows). 'Make a vow' often implies personally formulating the promise.
A promise not to speak, often for a set period or indefinitely, sometimes as part of a religious or spiritual practice.