promise

/ˈprɒmɪs/
a commitment or guarantee

She made a promise to finish her homework before dinner.

She committed to completing her homework before eating.


general

a declaration that something will or will not happen

He promised to call me tomorrow.

He committed to calling me the next day.

Can be verbal or written, formal or informal.

general

an indication of future success or potential

The new product shows great promise.

The new product has strong potential for success.

Used to describe potential or likelihood of success.

Collocations

make a promiseto commit to doing somethingbreak a promiseto fail to keep a commitmentkeep a promiseto fulfill a commitment

Related Phrases

promise the moonidiom
to make an unrealistic or exaggerated promise
promise yourselfphrase
to make a personal commitment

Pro Tip

Common Usage

The verb 'promise' is often followed by 'to' + verb (e.g., 'I promise to help').

Gold Rule

Keeping Promises

Promises are serious commitments; breaking them can damage trust.

Word Origin

From Middle English 'promise,' from Old French 'promesse,' from Latin 'promissum,' neuter past participle of 'promittere' (to promise), from 'pro-' (forward) + 'mittere' (to send).

Usage Notes

Can be used as both a noun and a verb. As a verb, it is often followed by 'to' + verb (e.g., 'promise to help').

Word Breakdown

pro-
forward
prefix
+
-mittere
to send
root
English Dictionary