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vow
/vaʊ/
a solemn promise or pledge
She made a vow to never lie again.
She promised herself that she would always tell the truth.
formal
a solemn promise or pledge, often made formally or publicly
The couple exchanged vows during their wedding ceremony.
They made formal promises to each other in front of witnesses.
Vows are often associated with ceremonies like weddings or religious rituals.
formal
to make a solemn promise or pledge
He vowed to protect his country at all costs.
He promised to defend his country no matter what.
As a verb, 'vow' implies a strong commitment, often with emotional or moral weight.
Collocations
take a vowto make a solemn promisebreak a vowto fail to keep a promisesacred vowa promise made in a religious or solemn context
Related Phrases
Pro Tip
Formal vs. Informal Use
Vows are typically formal and solemn. Avoid using 'vow' for casual promises.
Gold Rule
Context Matters
Vows are serious commitments, often with emotional or moral weight. Use them appropriately.
Word Origin
From Middle English 'vowen', from Old French 'vouer', from Latin 'votum' (a vow, wish, prayer), from 'vovere' (to vow).
Usage Notes
Vows are often associated with formal or religious contexts, such as weddings or oaths of office. The verb form implies a strong, often emotional, commitment.
Word Breakdown
vow
a solemn promise
rootEnglish Dictionary