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pledge
/plɛdʒ/
formal promise
She made a pledge to donate $1000 to the charity.
She publicly promised to give $1000 to the charity.
formal
A solemn promise or undertaking.
The company made a pledge to reduce its carbon emissions by 50% by 2030.
The company formally promised to cut its carbon emissions by half within 10 years.
He gave his pledge of allegiance to the flag.
He formally promised loyalty to his country by reciting the pledge.
Often used in legal, financial, or ceremonial contexts.
formal
To formally promise to give or do something.
They pledged $5000 to the disaster relief fund.
They formally committed to donate $5000 to help with disaster recovery.
He pledged his support for the candidate.
He publicly promised to back the political candidate.
Common in fundraising, politics, and personal commitments.
Finance
Finance
Something given as security for a loan.
He used his car as a pledge for the loan.
He secured the loan by offering his car as collateral.
Less common in modern usage; often replaced by 'collateral'.
Collocations
make a pledgeto formally promise somethingpledge of allegiancea formal promise of loyalty to a countryfinancial pledgea monetary promise to donate or invest
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Avoid casual use
Use 'pledge' for formal or serious commitments. For everyday promises, use 'promise' or 'vow'.
Gold Rule
Formal tone
Pledge should be used in contexts requiring solemnity or formality, such as legal documents, ceremonies, or fundraising.
Word Origin
Middle English: from Old French plege 'security, guarantee', from Late Latin plebium 'pledge', of Celtic origin; related to Welsh plith 'pledge'.
Usage Notes
Pledge is stronger than 'promise' and implies a formal or public commitment. It is often used in legal, financial, or ceremonial contexts. Avoid using it for casual promises.
Word Breakdown
pledge
promise or security
rootEnglish Dictionary