promise1 verbpromise2 noun
promiseprom‧ise1 /ˈprɒmɪs $ ˈprɑː-/ ●●● S2 W2 verb 
VERB TABLE
promise
| Simple Form | ||
| Present | I, you, we, they | promise |
| he, she, it | promises | |
| Past | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | promised |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have promised |
| he, she, it | has promised | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had promised |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will promise |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have promised |
| Continuous Form | ||
| Present | I | am promising |
| he, she, it | is promising | |
| you, we, they | are promising | |
| Past | I, he, she, it | was promising |
| you, we, they | were promising | |
| Present perfect | I, you, we, they | have been promising |
| he, she, it | has been promising | |
| Past perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | had been promising |
| Future | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will be promising |
| Future perfect | I, you, he, she, it, we, they | will have been promising |
EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I can't take you to the beach today, after all.'' "But you promised!''
- I promised Jamie a ride to school this morning.
- I promised the kids I'd take them to a movie.
- Richardson apologized and promised that appropriate action would be taken to fix the problem.
- The government had promised to investigate the cause of the accident.
- Anything about the bond market promises to be long and dull.
- Dole repeatedly promises veterans that he would not touch their benefits.
- Have you assured yourself that you can deliver whatever value is promised in your set of products and services?
- He promises himself an easier workout tomorrow.
- Money promised for language classes and business start-ups did not arrive.
- Since the Tory election win in April, Mr Major promised interest rates would come down.
- Tanui promised he would be looking out for news about me during the week.
THESAURUS
to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: · He promised to give the book back.· The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.
to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: · He had sworn to tell the truth.· I would never do that, I swear.
especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: · I give you my word that your money is safe with me.· I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.
to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: · She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.· They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.
to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: · Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.
to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: · I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.· How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?
to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: · The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.
formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: · The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.· The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.
formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: · Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.· A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.
Longman Language Activatorto promise something to tell someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do or expect you to do: · "I can't take you to the beach today, after all." "But you promised!"promise (that): · Hurry up, we promised we wouldn't be late this time.· Richardson apologized and promised that appropriate action would be taken to fix the problem.promise to do something: · The government had promised to investigate the cause of the accident.promise somebody (that): · I promised the kids I'd take them to a movie.promise somebody something (=promise to give someone something): · I promised Jamie a ride to school this morning.
to tell someone that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, so that they are less worried or more confident: assure somebody (that): · The doctor assured me that I wouldn't feel any pain.· The airline has assured travellers there will be no further delays.
to promise someone very seriously and sincerely that you will do something: · Campus officials had given her their word. There was to be a raise in salary each year.give sb your word (that): · I've given him my word that we'll take care of the house like it was ours.give somebody your word of honour/honor: · He had given her his word of honor that he would respect her wishes.
to make a very serious promise, especially publicly or in a law court: swear (that): · During the ceremony you swear that you will serve the country loyally.swear to somebody (that): · I swore to myself that I'd never do anything like it again.swear to do something: · Do you swear to tell the truth?swear allegiance (=promise to be loyal to a country): · New citizens are asked to swear allegiance during the citizenship ceremony.
to firmly promise something, especially to yourself - used especially in literature: vow to do something: · Ben vowed to avenge his mother's death.vow (that): · Daley vowed that the Police Department would be reformed.
to promise that something will happen or be provided, because you are going to make sure of this: · The king had guaranteed our safety on our journey.guarantee (that): · We guarantee that you won't lose your jobs when the company is taken over.· I can't guarantee the plan will work, but I'll give it a try.guarantee somebody something (=guarantee to give someone something): · The first emigrants to Canada were guaranteed 200 acres of land each.
to promise to do something that will take a long time or involve a lot of effort: · Young people still need to learn how to commit to a job and have goals for themselves.commit to to do something: · The organization needs volunteers who can commit to work four hours a week.
to publicly or officially promise to give help, support, or money to an organization, group, or person: pledge to do something: · Many rock stars have pledged to support the campaign to save the rainforests.pledge something to somebody: · The government has pledged £500,000 worth of aid to the drought- stricken area.pledge support/money/help etc: · Britain has pledged £1.3 million to the UN for refugee work.· The U.S. has pledged aid to the country.pledge allegiance (=promise to be loyal to a country): · Should new citizens of Canada pledge allegiance to the queen of Great Britain?
a promise a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do: · "I'll call you tomorrow." "Is that a promise?"promise of: · The refugees are relying on promises of food and aid from the West.make a promise: · Making promises is risky for a company, but it usually does result in improved customer relations.promise to do something: · Scott made a campaign promise not to raise taxes.promise that: · He left with a promise that he would be back before six.
a promise that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, which makes someone less worried or more confident: · Despite all their assurances, they broke the agreement and signed a deal with a rival company.assurance that: · I need an assurance that you will support me.give somebody an assurance: · The manager gave me his personal assurance that the parts would be here today.give somebody an assurance about/on: · His lawyer was unwilling to give him any kind of assurance about the outcome of the trial.
a promise that something will happen or be provided, because you are going to make sure of this. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time: guarantee that: · The contract contains a guarantee that the building will be finished within 6 months.· After the Second World War, Belgium wanted a guarantee that it would not be invaded again.under guarantee (=within the period when a company promises to repair a product free of charge if something goes wrong): · Is the camera still under guarantee?
a promise to do something that will take a long time or involve a lot of effort: · The peace talks ended with smiles and handshakes, but no commitment.· Marriage, ideally, is a lifelong commitment.make a commitment: · The organization has made a commitment to plant 5,000 trees in San Francisco.commitment to: · The American adviser expressed America's commitment to Africa's economic development.commitment to doing something: · The governor has a strong commitment to creating jobs in the state.
a public or official promise to give help, support, or money to an organization, group, or person: · The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.pledge of: · We have received pledges of help from various organizations.pledge to do something: · The coup leaders have ignored their pledges to hold democratic elections.
a formal and serious promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: take/swear an oath (=make a promise): · Adams was elected to the British Parliament, but refused to swear an oath to the English Queen.under oath (=while you have made a promise to tell the truth in a court of law): · He admitted that he had lied under oath.oath of office (=the promises you make when you are elected to a government position): · The president takes the oath of office in a public ceremony.oath to do something: · Public officials must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution.
a public or official promise to do something, especially something difficult, which needs a lot of effort or money, and that you will be responsible for making sure that it is done: undertaking to do something: · Khrushchev demanded an American undertaking not to attack Cuba.undertaking that: · Before we can release you, we need an undertaking that you will not leave town before the trial.
what you say when you promise something · "Promise me you'll write to me." "I promise."I promise (that) · I won't go. I promise I won't go.
say this when you want to make a very serious and sincere promise: · You won't regret this - I give you my word.I give you my word/you have my word (that): · I give you my word that I'll do everything I can.· Do I have your word, Mr Bigelow, that this problem will be corrected?
say this when you are making a promise to someone you know well - used especially by children: · "Do you promise?" "Cross my heart."
say this when you are making a very firm promise, that you will never break. I swear is used in court: · I swear that the evidence I give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
to do what you promised to do · She was crying because she thought he had not kept his promise.· Respect your teenager's privacy. If you promise not to tell her father, keep your word.keep your promise/word to do something · The government has kept its promise to cut taxes, but this has meant cuts in services, too.
to do or provide what you promised, especially in politics or business when people are uncertain whether you can do this: · Election candidates frequently promise a lot more than they can deliver.· The Prime Minister's economic development strategy has not delivered the promised benefits.deliver on a promise: · Yet again the management has failed to deliver on its promise to provide extra staff training.deliver the goods (=do or provide what you have promised): · Do you think she will be able to deliver the goods?
British /fulfill American formal to do what you have promised to do or what you must do, especially in politics or business: fulfil a pledge/promise/commitment: · Eisenhower finally fulfilled his campaign pledge to end the war in Korea.· In the ROTC program, students fulfill a service commitment after college, in return for a scholarship from the Army or Navy.fulfil a duty/mission: · The general did not have confidence that the Fourth Fleet would be able to fulfil its mission.
to faithfully keep an earlier promise or agreement although there may now be reasons for not keeping it: · Despite his family's opposition, Jake stood by his promise to marry her.· How could she stick to the agreement now that everything had changed so drastically?· I stand by what I said during the campaign.
use this when you are impressed with someone for doing what they promised to do: · The President promised to lower income taxes, and he's been as good as his word.
to do what you promised to do as part of an agreement in which both sides promised to do something: · The strike has ended. The employers must now keep their side of the bargain and increase overtime pay.
to make sure that someone does what they have promised to do: · Parents and teachers need to agree on goals for students, and hold them to it.· Government officials need to be held to their promises.
to not do what you promised to do · I said I'd take the girls to the movie, and I don't like to break a promise.break a promise to do something · The government has broken its promise to reduce the size of the army.broken promise · Despite Roosevelt's broken promise to balance the budget, he was elected president four times.
to change your mind and not do something that you had earlier promised to do: · He had gone back on his promise to stop drinking too many times.· The rebels had agreed to a ceasefire, but they've gone back on their word.
formal to fail to keep to officially agreed promises or responsibilities: · The government has had to renege on its commitment to full employment.· Kenoco Inc has reneged on its agreement to finance the film.
when something will probably be good use this to say that you think something or someone will probably be good, because of what you know about them: · The party should be fun. There's going to be a group playing and there's lots of drink.· She has all the right experience, so she ought to make an excellent manager.
especially written if something that has just started promises to be good, exciting etc, it is very likely to be good, exciting etc: · The day promised to be bright and warm.· For those lucky enough to have tickets to the sold-out event, it promises to be a great evening of music.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY
‘I’ll be back by 1.00.’ ‘Promise?’ ‘Yes! Don’t worry.’ He reappeared two hours later, as promised.COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES The company will deliver on its promises. People are wondering if they will ever see the fulfillment of the government’s campaign pledges. Delors claimed that the president had gone back on his word. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health How do I know you’ll keep your word? The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. He has stuck by his radical plans for economic reform. I’ll take you up on that offer of a drink, if it still stands.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSVERB
‘I’ll be back by 1.00.’ ‘Promise?’ ‘Yes! Don’t worry.’ He reappeared two hours later, as promised.· A group of donors led by the World Bank promised assistance to the value of US$508,000,000.
· I’ll never forgive him for breaking his promise to me.
(=likely to be successful)· She gave up a promising career in advertising in order to look after her children.
The company will deliver on its promises. (=one that is made while a person or party is trying to be elected)· The government has broken all its election promises.
People are wondering if they will ever see the fulfillment of the government’s campaign pledges. (=showing signs of being successful)· Her future as a tennis player looks promising.
Delors claimed that the president had gone back on his word. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health How do I know you’ll keep your word? The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. (=a good start that makes success seem likely)· Her teacher says she's made a promising start in learning Spanish.
He has stuck by his radical plans for economic reform. I’ll take you up on that offer of a drink, if it still stands.· Buick's robots either failed to deliver what was promised or they broke down.· Meanwhile, attorneys general from across the United States threatened lawsuits for failure to deliver promised services.· Yet he could return to Cairo with a justifiable sense of pride in knowing that he had delivered what he had promised.· Have you assured yourself that you can deliver whatever value is promised in your set of products and services?· Central planning could not, however, deliver the promised prosperity.· He promised that the new government he is appointing this week will deliver on the promised benefits of market reforms.· If they proved that they could deliver what they promised, well and good.· In reality, integration failed to deliver the promised advantages and had severe disadvantages.
PHRASES FROM THE ENTRY► promise somebody the moon/the earth► I can’t promise (anything)PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► give something a lick and a promise► redeem a promise/pledge► vain threat/promise etc
1[intransitive, transitive] to tell someone that you will definitely do or provide something or that something will happen: - And I promise you something: I won't let the house get into a hovel.
- But I promise I won't be bad to you again.
- It takes more than a few days but it goes again, just about. I promise you that.
- It will only turn her to stone, I promise you.
- There will, I promise you, be a final exam.
- We will find that ship, I promise you.
- When we parted I promised I'd write about them.
- You shall not be the losers by it, I promise you.
- An offer is something which is clearly intended if accepted to form a binding agreement.
- But Equitable was set on the Halifax deal and has signed a binding contract for the first half of its proposals.
- However, in many cases the parties may create a binding contract by agreement on the three matters already identified.
- If they can come to a binding agreement, the prisoners will both profess their innocence and be sentenced to two years.
- In general there was the invocation of one or more deities to bear witness that a binding contract was being undertaken.
- It was held there that the parties had made a binding contract, albeit with the price still outstanding.
- The successful bidder is under a binding contract to purchase the relevant property.
- Hadn't he said that to express it would be just empty words?
- He expected her to trust him, but as far as she could see they were just empty words.
- He listens politely, then makes plausible but essentially empty gestures.
- I tried to make choices, but wound up with empty gestures.
- These are not empty words and phrases, but principles given powerful institutional sanction.
- This is the circus of empty promises and dry press releases that are part and parcel of meetings like these.
- To all these petitions the Crown returned empty promises of redress.
- Instead, people earn both through a reinforcing cycle of making and fulfilling promises.
- Pity he didn't fulfil a promise he made to Darlington Business Venture when he came up last November.
- Young said he had fulfilled a promise he made when taking the helm in 1969.
- All girls and boys, from every background, must be able to discover their talents and fulfil their potential.
- But there is grave doubt among environmentalists as to whether the Government will fulfil its promises according to schedule.
- Draft history is full of players who never fulfilled their promise.
- For 15 years, Lindbergh more than fulfilled its promise.
- I was wrong: it has not yet fulfilled its promise.
- Lewis has begun to fulfil his promise.
- Many teachers express concern that even their more able pupils do not fulfil their potential in the subject.
- We only fulfil our potential as individuals in working with and for others, as well as for ourselves.
- Moreover, Gosteleradio claimed that Interfax had never honoured an agreement to remit 50 percent of its earnings to Radio Moscow.
- Amid an increasingly hostile war of words, Finley has criticized Racicot for reneging on a promise to cooperate with federal authorities.
- They had been bitten too often by Congress reneging on agreements negotiated in good faith by the White House.
Last night the headmaster promised a full investigation.promise to do something She’s promised to do all she can to help.promise (that) Hurry up – we promised we wouldn’t be late.promise somebody (that) You promised me the car would be ready on Monday. ‘Promise me you won’t do anything stupid.’ ‘I promise.’promise something to somebody I’ve promised that book to Ian, I’m afraid.promise somebody something The company promised us a bonus this year. ‘I’ll be back by 1.00.’ ‘Promise?’ ‘Yes! Don’t worry.’ He reappeared two hours later, as promised.2[transitive] to show signs of somethingpromise to be something Tonight’s meeting promises to be a difficult one. dark clouds promising showers later3promise somebody the moon/the earth to promise to give someone something that is impossible for you to give4I can’t promise (anything) spoken used to tell someone that you will try to do what they want, but may not be able to: I’ll try my best to get tickets, but I can’t promise anything.5I promise you spoken used to emphasize a promise, warning, or statement: I promise you, it does work!GRAMMAR: Patterns with promise• You promise to do something: · He promised to help.• You promise that you will do something: · I promise that I will come to your party.• You promise someone that you will do something: · I promise you that I will come.• You promised that you would do something: · She promised that she would come.• You promised someone that you would do something: · My parents promised me that they would buy me a new car. ✗Don’t say: My parents promised me to buy a new car.• You can also promise someone something: · My parents promised me a new car.THESAURUSpromise to tell someone that you will definitely do something, or that something will happen: · He promised to give the book back.· The organisers have promised that this year’s event will take place.swear to make a very serious and sincere promise, for example in a law court: · He had sworn to tell the truth.· I would never do that, I swear.give somebody your word especially spoken to promise sincerely that you will do something or that something is true – often used when you are trying to persuade someone that they can trust you: · I give you my word that your money is safe with me.· I’ll let you go out tonight if you give me your word that you’ll be home by 11.vow to make a very serious promise, often to yourself: · She vowed that she would never drink alcohol again.· They vowed to carry on their campaign for justice.assure to promise someone that something will happen or that something is true, in order to try to make them feel less worried: · Police have assured the public that they are doing everything they can to find the killer.guarantee to promise that you will make sure that something will definitely happen, so that there is no question of it not happening: · I guarantee that you will have the documents by tomorrow.· How can you guarantee that this won’t happen again?pledge to promise publicly or officially that you will do something, for example to give help or money: · The government has pledged to increase overseas aid to $4 billion over the next five years.undertake formal to make an official or legal promise to do something: · The government undertook to keep price increases to a minimum.· The two sides undertook to respect each other’s territory.commit to something formal to make a firm and definite promise to do something important, which will affect you for a long time and which could result in serious effects if you fail: · Bobby felt unready to commit to a romantic relationship.· A group of 11 companies has committed to developing a new passenger plane.promise1 verbpromise2 noun
promisepromise2 ●●● S3 W2 noun WORD ORIGINpromise2
Origin:
1300-1400 Latin promissum, from the past participle of promittere ‘to send out, promise’EXAMPLES FROM OTHER DICTIONARIES
- "I'll call you tomorrow." "Is that a promise?"
- He left with a promise that he would be back before six.
- Making promises is risky for a company, but it usually does result in improved customer relations.
- Scott made a campaign promise not to raise taxes.
- The refugees are relying on promises of food and aid from the West.
- But Comcast has made the investment and delivered on its promise.
- Even worse, it turned out that being able to offer drinks was not a key promise for his customers.
- Inherent in this promise is a kind of security blanket; the union chief is replaced with a mutual fund manager.
- Mannheim's relationism seemed to his detractors like a hollow promise, an attempt to have it both ways.
- Not withstanding this promise, the use of road pricing to change travel habits still seems some way off.
- The security of both was the promise of a large proportion of the land after the drainage operation had been successfully completed.
- These promise to be of such importance that I shall briefly relate them here, before journeying north.
- Usually the sins confessed were minor in nature: a broken promise, a plagiarized term paper.
THESAURUS
a statement that you will definitely do or provide something, which may not be reliable: · ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’ ‘Is that a promise?’· Politicians are always making promises.
a public or official promise to do a particular thing in the future: · The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.· We have received pledges of help from various organizations.
a very serious promise to do something or not to do something that you choose to make: · He made a vow never to drink alcohol again.· your marriage vows
a formal promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: · Witnesses swear a solemn oath to tell the truth.· Public officials must take an oath to support the US Constitution.
a serious or public promise to do something, especially something difficult which needs a lot of effort or money: · The police have given an undertaking to reduce street crime in the city centre.· He was made to sign a written undertaking that he would not go within a mile of her house.
a promise that something will happen or is true, made so that someone is less worried or more confident: · You have my assurance that it won’t happen again.· The manager gave me his personal assurance that the goods would be delivered today.
a very definite promise that something will happen. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time.: · With any diet, there’s no guarantee of success.· I’m afraid I can’t give you a 100% guarantee.· Is the camera still under guarantee (=within the period during which it can be repaired or replaced free)?
Longman Language Activatorto promise something to tell someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do or expect you to do: · "I can't take you to the beach today, after all." "But you promised!"promise (that): · Hurry up, we promised we wouldn't be late this time.· Richardson apologized and promised that appropriate action would be taken to fix the problem.promise to do something: · The government had promised to investigate the cause of the accident.promise somebody (that): · I promised the kids I'd take them to a movie.promise somebody something (=promise to give someone something): · I promised Jamie a ride to school this morning.
to tell someone that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, so that they are less worried or more confident: assure somebody (that): · The doctor assured me that I wouldn't feel any pain.· The airline has assured travellers there will be no further delays.
to promise someone very seriously and sincerely that you will do something: · Campus officials had given her their word. There was to be a raise in salary each year.give sb your word (that): · I've given him my word that we'll take care of the house like it was ours.give somebody your word of honour/honor: · He had given her his word of honor that he would respect her wishes.
to make a very serious promise, especially publicly or in a law court: swear (that): · During the ceremony you swear that you will serve the country loyally.swear to somebody (that): · I swore to myself that I'd never do anything like it again.swear to do something: · Do you swear to tell the truth?swear allegiance (=promise to be loyal to a country): · New citizens are asked to swear allegiance during the citizenship ceremony.
to firmly promise something, especially to yourself - used especially in literature: vow to do something: · Ben vowed to avenge his mother's death.vow (that): · Daley vowed that the Police Department would be reformed.
to promise that something will happen or be provided, because you are going to make sure of this: · The king had guaranteed our safety on our journey.guarantee (that): · We guarantee that you won't lose your jobs when the company is taken over.· I can't guarantee the plan will work, but I'll give it a try.guarantee somebody something (=guarantee to give someone something): · The first emigrants to Canada were guaranteed 200 acres of land each.
to promise to do something that will take a long time or involve a lot of effort: · Young people still need to learn how to commit to a job and have goals for themselves.commit to to do something: · The organization needs volunteers who can commit to work four hours a week.
to publicly or officially promise to give help, support, or money to an organization, group, or person: pledge to do something: · Many rock stars have pledged to support the campaign to save the rainforests.pledge something to somebody: · The government has pledged £500,000 worth of aid to the drought- stricken area.pledge support/money/help etc: · Britain has pledged £1.3 million to the UN for refugee work.· The U.S. has pledged aid to the country.pledge allegiance (=promise to be loyal to a country): · Should new citizens of Canada pledge allegiance to the queen of Great Britain?
a promise a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something that they want you to do: · "I'll call you tomorrow." "Is that a promise?"promise of: · The refugees are relying on promises of food and aid from the West.make a promise: · Making promises is risky for a company, but it usually does result in improved customer relations.promise to do something: · Scott made a campaign promise not to raise taxes.promise that: · He left with a promise that he would be back before six.
a promise that something will definitely happen or is definitely true, which makes someone less worried or more confident: · Despite all their assurances, they broke the agreement and signed a deal with a rival company.assurance that: · I need an assurance that you will support me.give somebody an assurance: · The manager gave me his personal assurance that the parts would be here today.give somebody an assurance about/on: · His lawyer was unwilling to give him any kind of assurance about the outcome of the trial.
a promise that something will happen or be provided, because you are going to make sure of this. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time: guarantee that: · The contract contains a guarantee that the building will be finished within 6 months.· After the Second World War, Belgium wanted a guarantee that it would not be invaded again.under guarantee (=within the period when a company promises to repair a product free of charge if something goes wrong): · Is the camera still under guarantee?
a promise to do something that will take a long time or involve a lot of effort: · The peace talks ended with smiles and handshakes, but no commitment.· Marriage, ideally, is a lifelong commitment.make a commitment: · The organization has made a commitment to plant 5,000 trees in San Francisco.commitment to: · The American adviser expressed America's commitment to Africa's economic development.commitment to doing something: · The governor has a strong commitment to creating jobs in the state.
a public or official promise to give help, support, or money to an organization, group, or person: · The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.pledge of: · We have received pledges of help from various organizations.pledge to do something: · The coup leaders have ignored their pledges to hold democratic elections.
a formal and serious promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: take/swear an oath (=make a promise): · Adams was elected to the British Parliament, but refused to swear an oath to the English Queen.under oath (=while you have made a promise to tell the truth in a court of law): · He admitted that he had lied under oath.oath of office (=the promises you make when you are elected to a government position): · The president takes the oath of office in a public ceremony.oath to do something: · Public officials must take an oath to support the U.S. Constitution.
a public or official promise to do something, especially something difficult, which needs a lot of effort or money, and that you will be responsible for making sure that it is done: undertaking to do something: · Khrushchev demanded an American undertaking not to attack Cuba.undertaking that: · Before we can release you, we need an undertaking that you will not leave town before the trial.
what you say when you promise something · "Promise me you'll write to me." "I promise."I promise (that) · I won't go. I promise I won't go.
say this when you want to make a very serious and sincere promise: · You won't regret this - I give you my word.I give you my word/you have my word (that): · I give you my word that I'll do everything I can.· Do I have your word, Mr Bigelow, that this problem will be corrected?
say this when you are making a promise to someone you know well - used especially by children: · "Do you promise?" "Cross my heart."
say this when you are making a very firm promise, that you will never break. I swear is used in court: · I swear that the evidence I give will be the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
to do what you promised to do · She was crying because she thought he had not kept his promise.· Respect your teenager's privacy. If you promise not to tell her father, keep your word.keep your promise/word to do something · The government has kept its promise to cut taxes, but this has meant cuts in services, too.
to do or provide what you promised, especially in politics or business when people are uncertain whether you can do this: · Election candidates frequently promise a lot more than they can deliver.· The Prime Minister's economic development strategy has not delivered the promised benefits.deliver on a promise: · Yet again the management has failed to deliver on its promise to provide extra staff training.deliver the goods (=do or provide what you have promised): · Do you think she will be able to deliver the goods?
British /fulfill American formal to do what you have promised to do or what you must do, especially in politics or business: fulfil a pledge/promise/commitment: · Eisenhower finally fulfilled his campaign pledge to end the war in Korea.· In the ROTC program, students fulfill a service commitment after college, in return for a scholarship from the Army or Navy.fulfil a duty/mission: · The general did not have confidence that the Fourth Fleet would be able to fulfil its mission.
to faithfully keep an earlier promise or agreement although there may now be reasons for not keeping it: · Despite his family's opposition, Jake stood by his promise to marry her.· How could she stick to the agreement now that everything had changed so drastically?· I stand by what I said during the campaign.
use this when you are impressed with someone for doing what they promised to do: · The President promised to lower income taxes, and he's been as good as his word.
to do what you promised to do as part of an agreement in which both sides promised to do something: · The strike has ended. The employers must now keep their side of the bargain and increase overtime pay.
to make sure that someone does what they have promised to do: · Parents and teachers need to agree on goals for students, and hold them to it.· Government officials need to be held to their promises.
to not do what you promised to do · I said I'd take the girls to the movie, and I don't like to break a promise.break a promise to do something · The government has broken its promise to reduce the size of the army.broken promise · Despite Roosevelt's broken promise to balance the budget, he was elected president four times.
to change your mind and not do something that you had earlier promised to do: · He had gone back on his promise to stop drinking too many times.· The rebels had agreed to a ceasefire, but they've gone back on their word.
formal to fail to keep to officially agreed promises or responsibilities: · The government has had to renege on its commitment to full employment.· Kenoco Inc has reneged on its agreement to finance the film.
likely to become good at something someone who is promising or shows promise , especially someone who is young, is good at something and seems likely to become very good and successful at it: · The new England team members show a lot of promise.promising actor/musician/player etc: · Promising researchers are allowed to take time off teaching and administrative duties.
natural ability that could be developed so that you become extremely good at something: · Stephen is a player with real potential.have/show potential: · He's young but he shows a lot of potential.· She may not be a great violinist yet but she has potential.potential to do/be something: · One of their children has the potential to be a brilliant scientist.
to have the qualities or skills needed to become a particular type of person or thing: · They have the makings of a good team this year.
COLLOCATIONS FROM THE ENTRY Meaning 1verbs The company will deliver on its promises. People are wondering if they will ever see the fulfillment of the government’s campaign pledges. Delors claimed that the president had gone back on his word. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health How do I know you’ll keep your word? The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. He has stuck by his radical plans for economic reform. I’ll take you up on that offer of a drink, if it still stands.COLLOCATIONS FROM THE CORPUSADJECTIVE
· I made a promise to my mother that I’d look after Dad.
(also fulfil a promise British English, fulfill a promise American English formal) (=do what you promised to do)· She said she would come back, and she kept her promise.· The mayor has fulfilled his promise to get tough on corruption.
(=not do what you promised to do)· Once again, the government has broken its promises.
(=break it)· They were angry that the company had gone back on its promise.
formal (=break it)· It is tempting for the government to renege on its promise.
(=they have promised you something)· ‘It’ll remain a secret?’ ‘Yes, you have my promise.’
(=make them keep it)· The next day, Gareth held me to my promise to take him fishing.
ADJECTIVES/NOUN + promise· As governor, I made a solemn promise to defend the laws of the Republic.
(=definite)· What had happened to all those firm promises of help?
(=not definite)· Larry made some vague promises to leave his wife.
(=one that will not be kept)· I didn’t make any false promises.
(=one that has not been kept)· There have been too many broken promises.
· He was accused of breaking a campaign promise not to raise taxes.
Meaning 2verbs (=seem likely to be good or successful)· She showed promise as a singer at an early age.
(=seem likely to be good or successful – used of things)· The Internet clearly held great promise as an educational tool.
(also live up to your/its promise) (=be as good as expected)· This young player has begun to fulfil his promise.· The rest of this movie never quite lives up to the promise of that opening moment.
adjectives· He’d initially shown great promise as a goalkeeper.
· Tracey showed early promise in mathematics.
COLLOCATIONS FROM OTHER ENTRIES· A group of donors led by the World Bank promised assistance to the value of US$508,000,000.
· I’ll never forgive him for breaking his promise to me.
(=likely to be successful)· She gave up a promising career in advertising in order to look after her children.
The company will deliver on its promises. (=one that is made while a person or party is trying to be elected)· The government has broken all its election promises.
People are wondering if they will ever see the fulfillment of the government’s campaign pledges. (=showing signs of being successful)· Her future as a tennis player looks promising.
Delors claimed that the president had gone back on his word. Many church services hold little appeal for modern tastes. alternative methods which hold out the promise of improved health How do I know you’ll keep your word? The government offered safe passage to militants taking up their offer of peace talks. (=a good start that makes success seem likely)· Her teacher says she's made a promising start in learning Spanish.
He has stuck by his radical plans for economic reform. I’ll take you up on that offer of a drink, if it still stands.· To all these petitions the Crown returned empty promises of redress.· This is the circus of empty promises and dry press releases that are part and parcel of meetings like these.· Maybe, but empty promises are not on the list.
· No fast talking, no false promises, and if combat ensues there's no quarter asked or given.· Should not the right hon. Gentleman now apologise for the false promises that he made in 1991?
· He sought refuge in vague and ambiguous promises.· The politicians made vague promises about independence.
NOUN· He had been asked a question on the influence of campaign promises and its effect on the election of particular candidates.· Their cousin is the campaign promise.· Mr Bush's campaign promise to work with Democrats gained urgency following the shenanigans in Florida.· Defense, education and tax cuts are tangible issues for Bush officials that they link to popular campaign promises.· Gazing into our crystal ball, we see Scott breaking her campaign promise to not privatize Tucson Water.
· The Budget also marked a head-on collision between Conservative Party election promises and the real world, however.· The government is delivering on its 1994 election promise to create 100, 000 jobs a year.· The draconian Special Powers Act was never repealed despite the election promises.· There was no more devalued currency than a Conservative election promise.
VERB· Four orphans vow to be a family, but come to break their promises.· Maurice breaks his promises so consistently that he begins to seem a professional liar.· Then, when he learnt that Felix had lost all his money, he broke his promise.· Marvin was always doing this, trying to make the President feel he was breaking promises by not following his advice.· Christopher, who had promised to be home by Christmas and had never broken a promise in his life.· And a broken promise to a preclear will be taken very hard.· Maybe they just broke too many promises?· Day broke with every promise of a fine day.
· Governments appeared to carry out their promises.· I would carry out my promise.
· It will deliver the promises made in the citizens charter to extend the powers of the four regulators of the privatised utilities.· But Comcast has made the investment and delivered on its promise.· And in this vacuum of ignorance, terrible practices have been tolerated because they delivered the promise of cheap food.· Now, the company is poised to deliver on the promise it has used to leverage its future during research and development.· The bank and the fund are also confronted with pressing questions about their ability to deliver their promises.· He has yet to deliver on promises such as welfare reform, an overhaul of campaign financing or a balanced budget.· Will he deliver on his promise?· Then John carried it to London in 1735, and delivered on his promise to George Graham.
· The afternoon fulfilled the promise of the early morning and remained incredibly bright, clear and warm.· Draft history is full of players who never fulfilled their promise.· If the reality doesn't fulfil the promise of the ideals, do you junk the ideals?· Instead, people earn both through a reinforcing cycle of making and fulfilling promises.· But there is grave doubt among environmentalists as to whether the Government will fulfil its promises according to schedule.· Young said he had fulfilled a promise he made when taking the helm in 1969· The confidence displayed by the World Bank men and other donors in the early 1970s has clearly not fulfilled its promise.· Feeling he hasn't done things he ought to have done - hasn't fulfilled his promise.
· But what happens if it fails to fulfill its initial promise?· The department occasionally receives complaints about health clubs, usually alleging a club did not fulfill promises about its facility or equipment.· He eventually did, and the film recorded Herzog fulfilling his promise.· VanLandingham came around and pitched well for a stretch, seemingly ready to fulfill his vast promise.· Instead, people earn both through a reinforcing cycle of making and fulfilling promises.· He doubted whether the company would pledge sufficient commitment to fulfill the promise of HyperCard.
· I can not give you a firm promise that this is the turning point.· All listened to him with pity and the two gave him eagerly their promise to help.· He had made no commitment, given no promise.· The deep shade and the smell of the pines in the heat gave promise of rest.· The Osiris myth embodied this cycle of birth, death, and rebirth and gave the promise of immortality.· In exchange, occasionally they were given trinkets and promises or reservations upon land that was theirs to begin with.· Working in tandem they gave off an exciting promise of depravity.· The weather was giving promise of an early spring and they were on their way northwards, to Nahum's father.
· So too the yawning depths of the wave, even while threatening annihilation, hold out the promise of rebirth.· Feminism once held out a promise that there would be some precincts of womanly life that were not all about men.· Clark's work clearly holds promise of a new class of antimalarials, even though there is much still to be done.· Frustration of my plans to lighten the disaster will convince people that the future holds no promise to them.· Bilateral agreements may hold out more promise, if only because they are easier to administer.· State access Smart communities hold a lot of promise for state officials.· For the moment Christmas on the slopes holds little promise.· Television held the promise, eventually, of informing, educating, and engaging the entire electorate in unprecedented ways.
· Thaksin needs a large amount of funds if he is to honour the populist promises that got him elected.· The King was not called upon to honour his promise.· If he makes statements from the Dispatch Box, he should be a man of honour and honour his promises.
· Lais had kept her promise though at what cost to herself he would never know.· He meant it, but he did not keep the promise.· She wanted very much to be good and to keep her promise.· Large global organizations are unable to keep their promises to provide these benefits.· She said she wanted to keep a promise to her husband that she would spend more time with the family.· One candidate, Bermudez, vowed to spend no more than $ 1, 000 and kept her promise.· She was determined to keep her promise to Rose Maylie, and meet her as arranged.· A resignation would force open the debate and make Dini keep his promise to quit, the Alliance argued.
· Insiders admit that by both external and internal measures, it has failed badly during the 1980s to live up to its promise.· It is the danger that we shall be forced to live up to the promise of democracy.· Perhaps he ought to remember those days and get around to living up to the promise he made to the last Tory conference.· The reality, however, never came close to living up to the promise.· I hoped it would live up to its promise.· Yet the country's performance in this area hardly lives up to promises when the relevant laws were passed in 1978.· Our country has more than enough pubs whose ruined interiors fail to live up to the promise of attractive historic frontages.· The day had a shadow in it and waS not living up to its promise.
· Mr Wahid has been making such promises since he took office 15 months ago.· As a leader in the Senate, you make progress by making promises others can count on.· Most of those making that promise will be dead before 2020 and none of them will still be in office.· Party leaders will wait until after the service is privatised before making specific spending promises.· John LaRue made a promise to me.· He wanted to be gone, even though Deuce made reassuring promises and Doug could one day turn out to be a friend.· Instead of addressing the problem, however, both candidates are making claims and promises that compound it.
· I was working out well, an investment with the promise of paying out.· Congress also has shifted from direct loans to loan guarantees: promises to pay back private bank loans if the borrowers default.· That is a benefit to him which is good consideration for his promise to pay maintenance.· A bond is merely a promise to pay a specific amount of money at a certain time in the future.
· Any pause in progress towards the objective is a matter of reneging on electoral promises.· Amid an increasingly hostile war of words, Finley has criticized Racicot for reneging on a promise to cooperate with federal authorities.
· In an interview with the Intelligence Department of the Foreign Office, he showed great promise as an interpreter.· The Smiths showed early promise of breaking traditions, but failed.· Yet he showed early promise as a newsman.· Growing alternative crops such as short rotation coppice as energy crops and fibre crops such as flax and hemp showed promise.· New, long-acting implants and injectables show promise of having as much impact during the 1990s and beyond.· Russell, my younger brother, also showed some promise but was hindered by a knee problem.· Such techniques show promise also for compressing complex sensor data during conventional processing.
PHRASES FROM OTHER ENTRIES► give something a lick and a promise► redeem a promise/pledge► vain threat/promise etc
1[countable] a statement that you will definitely do or provide something or that something will definitely happenpromise of- An offer is something which is clearly intended if accepted to form a binding agreement.
- But Equitable was set on the Halifax deal and has signed a binding contract for the first half of its proposals.
- However, in many cases the parties may create a binding contract by agreement on the three matters already identified.
- If they can come to a binding agreement, the prisoners will both profess their innocence and be sentenced to two years.
- In general there was the invocation of one or more deities to bear witness that a binding contract was being undertaken.
- It was held there that the parties had made a binding contract, albeit with the price still outstanding.
- The successful bidder is under a binding contract to purchase the relevant property.
- Hadn't he said that to express it would be just empty words?
- He expected her to trust him, but as far as she could see they were just empty words.
- He listens politely, then makes plausible but essentially empty gestures.
- I tried to make choices, but wound up with empty gestures.
- These are not empty words and phrases, but principles given powerful institutional sanction.
- This is the circus of empty promises and dry press releases that are part and parcel of meetings like these.
- To all these petitions the Crown returned empty promises of redress.
- Instead, people earn both through a reinforcing cycle of making and fulfilling promises.
- Pity he didn't fulfil a promise he made to Darlington Business Venture when he came up last November.
- Young said he had fulfilled a promise he made when taking the helm in 1969.
- All girls and boys, from every background, must be able to discover their talents and fulfil their potential.
- But there is grave doubt among environmentalists as to whether the Government will fulfil its promises according to schedule.
- Draft history is full of players who never fulfilled their promise.
- For 15 years, Lindbergh more than fulfilled its promise.
- I was wrong: it has not yet fulfilled its promise.
- Lewis has begun to fulfil his promise.
- Many teachers express concern that even their more able pupils do not fulfil their potential in the subject.
- We only fulfil our potential as individuals in working with and for others, as well as for ourselves.
- Moreover, Gosteleradio claimed that Interfax had never honoured an agreement to remit 50 percent of its earnings to Radio Moscow.
- Amid an increasingly hostile war of words, Finley has criticized Racicot for reneging on a promise to cooperate with federal authorities.
- They had been bitten too often by Congress reneging on agreements negotiated in good faith by the White House.
We received promises of support from several MPs.promise to He would never break his promise to his father.promise to do something She made a promise to visit them once a month.promise that I received a promise that this would not happen again.2[uncountable] signs that something or someone will be good or successful: a young man full of promise Bill shows great promise as a goalkeeper. She didn’t fulfil her early promise.3[singular, uncountable] a sign that something, usually something good, may happenpromise of the promise of spring The letter gave a promise of greater happiness.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 1verbsmake a promise· I made a promise to my mother that I’d look after Dad.keep a promise (also fulfil a promise British English, fulfill a promise American English formal) (=do what you promised to do)· She said she would come back, and she kept her promise.· The mayor has fulfilled his promise to get tough on corruption.break a promise (=not do what you promised to do)· Once again, the government has broken its promises.go back on your promise (=break it)· They were angry that the company had gone back on its promise.renege on a promise formal (=break it)· It is tempting for the government to renege on its promise.have somebody’s promise (=they have promised you something)· ‘It’ll remain a secret?’ ‘Yes, you have my promise.’hold somebody to their promise (=make them keep it)· The next day, Gareth held me to my promise to take him fishing.ADJECTIVES/NOUN + promisea solemn promise· As governor, I made a solemn promise to defend the laws of the Republic.a firm promise (=definite)· What had happened to all those firm promises of help?a vague promise (=not definite)· Larry made some vague promises to leave his wife.a false/empty/hollow promise (=one that will not be kept)· I didn’t make any false promises.a broken promise (=one that has not been kept)· There have been too many broken promises.a campaign/election promise· He was accused of breaking a campaign promise not to raise taxes.COLLOCATIONS– Meaning 2verbsshow promise (=seem likely to be good or successful)· She showed promise as a singer at an early age.hold promise (=seem likely to be good or successful – used of things)· The Internet clearly held great promise as an educational tool.fulfil your/its promise (also live up to your/its promise) (=be as good as expected)· This young player has begun to fulfil his promise.· The rest of this movie never quite lives up to the promise of that opening moment.adjectivesgreat promise· He’d initially shown great promise as a goalkeeper.early promise· Tracey showed early promise in mathematics.THESAURUSpromise a statement that you will definitely do or provide something, which may not be reliable: · ‘I’ll call you tomorrow.’ ‘Is that a promise?’· Politicians are always making promises.pledge a public or official promise to do a particular thing in the future: · The Government has fulfilled at least 50% of its election pledges.· We have received pledges of help from various organizations.vow a very serious promise to do something or not to do something that you choose to make: · He made a vow never to drink alcohol again.· your marriage vowsoath a formal promise, especially one that someone makes in a court of law: · Witnesses swear a solemn oath to tell the truth.· Public officials must take an oath to support the US Constitution.undertaking a serious or public promise to do something, especially something difficult which needs a lot of effort or money: · The police have given an undertaking to reduce street crime in the city centre.· He was made to sign a written undertaking that he would not go within a mile of her house.assurance a promise that something will happen or is true, made so that someone is less worried or more confident: · You have my assurance that it won’t happen again.· The manager gave me his personal assurance that the goods would be delivered today.guarantee a very definite promise that something will happen. A guarantee is also a formal written promise by a company to repair or replace a product free if it has a fault within a fixed period of time.: · With any diet, there’s no guarantee of success.· I’m afraid I can’t give you a 100% guarantee.· Is the camera still under guarantee (=within the period during which it can be repaired or replaced free)?