A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitelydo something or give them something.
If you make a promise, you should keep it.
The program has lived up to its promise to promote family welfare.
Synonyms: guarantee, word, bond, vow More Synonyms of promise
4. verb
If a situation or event promisesto have a particular quality or to be a particular thing, it shows signs that it will have that quality or be that thing.
While it will be fun, the seminar also promises to be most instructive. [VERB to-infinitive]
Synonyms: seem likely, look like, hint at, show signs of More Synonyms of promise
5. uncountable noun
If someone or something shows promise, they seem likely to be very good or successful.
The boy first showed promise as an athlete in grade school.
Synonyms: potential, ability, talent, capacity More Synonyms of promise
More Synonyms of promise
promise in British English
(ˈprɒmɪs)
verb
1. (often foll byto; when tr, may take a clause as object or an infinitive)
to give an assurance of (something to someone); undertake (to do something) in the future
I promise that I will come
2. (transitive)
to undertake to give (something to someone)
he promised me a car for my birthday
3. (when tr, takes an infinitive)
to cause one to expect that in the future one is likely (to be or do something)
she promises to be a fine soprano
4. (usually passive)
to engage to be married; betroth
I'm promised to Bill
5. (transitive)
to assure (someone) of the authenticity or inevitability of something (often in the parentheticphrase I promise you, used to emphasize a statement)
there'll be trouble, I promise you
noun
6.
an undertaking or assurance given by one person to another agreeing or guaranteeing to do or give something, or not to do or give something, in the future
7.
indication of forthcoming excellence or goodness
a writer showing considerable promise
8.
the thing of which an assurance is given
Derived forms
promiser (ˈpromiser)
noun
Word origin
C14: from Latin prōmissum a promise, from prōmittere to send forth
promise in American English
(ˈprɑmɪs)
noun
1.
an oral or written agreement to do or not to do something; vow
2.
indication, as of a successful prospect or future; basis for expectation
3.
something promised
verb intransitiveWord forms: ˈpromised or ˈpromising
4.
to make a promise
5.
to give a basis for expectation
often with well or fair
verb transitive
6.
to make a promise of (something) to somebody
7.
to engage or pledge
followed by an infinitive or a clause
to promise to go
8.
to give a basis for expecting
9. Informal
to declare emphatically; assure
10. Archaic
to pledge to give in marriage
Derived forms
promiser (ˈpromiser)
noun
Word origin
ME promis < L promissum < promittere, to send before or forward < pro-, forth + mittere, to send: see pro-2 & mission
More idioms containing
promise
promise the earth
promise the moon
COBUILD Collocations
promise
election promise
empty promises
fulfil a promise
manifesto promise
vague promise
Examples of 'promise' in a sentence
promise
We urge their successors to make good the promise of genuine equality.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Step one to success is the promise you make to yourself to take yourself seriously.
The Sun (2016)
We are also promised that the annual costs will be significantly lower than elsewhere in the sector.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We hope that his promises of future public service are not empty.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It promises more very good things.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Another promise he can't keep.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
I asked her to promise one thing: not to speak to this man again and she agreed.
The Sun (2016)
It also promises something no other Indian national park does: a walking safari.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The good life does not seem quite so good as promised.
Christianity Today (2000)
She would cajole family members with promises of help and milk and sugar.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
She defused the row by promising to give the money to charity.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
The elders promised to keep an eye on him.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
The friend promised not to say anything but of course she did.
The Sun (2014)
It promised future acts would be a laugh.
The Sun (2015)
It promises to be something of a family affair.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
The couple wrote their own vows to reflect their promises to one another.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
At school he showed no particular promise.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
What seems merely promising now could soon transform elements of your life.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But this one promised to be different.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
At last this series lives up to its considerable promise.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
This can stir proposals and promises or your first meeting with the love of your life.
The Sun (2008)
Students are now demanding that the party make good on that promise.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
New family promises are sincere and surprising.
The Sun (2012)
He promised to give the rest in instalments in the months ahead.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Governments promise to keep their people safe.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
He has also promised indefinite fiscal surpluses and reform of the corrupt tax system.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Get through the remainder of this season intact and there is promise for the future.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Each mayor promises to do something about it.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
No amount of pleading or argument could make the branch keep the promise they had made earlier to us and other investors.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Support him but don't make any promises.
The Sun (2011)
She says it promised to treat her financial details as confidential and is claiming $1 million in damages.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Quotations
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first call promisingCyril ConnollyEnemies of Promise
We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fearsLa RochefoucauldMaxims
Promises and pie-crust are made to be brokenJonathan SwiftPolite Conversation
In other languages
promise
British English: promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ NOUN
A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.
If you make a promise, you should keep it.
`You promise?' — `All right, I promise.'
American English: promise
Arabic: وَعَدَ
Brazilian Portuguese: promessa
Chinese: 允诺
Croatian: obećanje
Czech: slib
Danish: løfte
Dutch: belofte
European Spanish: promesa
Finnish: lupaus
French: promesse
German: Versprechen
Greek: υπόσχεση
Italian: promessa
Japanese: 約束
Korean: 약속
Norwegian: løfte
Polish: obietnica
European Portuguese: promessa
Romanian: promisiune
Russian: обещание
Latin American Spanish: promesa
Swedish: löfte
Thai: คำมั่นสัญญา
Turkish: söz
Ukrainian: обіцянка
Vietnamese: lời hứa
British English: promise /ˈprɒmɪs/ VERB
If you promise that you will do something, you say to someone that you will definitely do it.
The post office has promised to resume first-class mail delivery to the area on Friday.
American English: promise
Arabic: يُوعِد
Brazilian Portuguese: prometer
Chinese: 许诺
Croatian: obećati
Czech: slíbit
Danish: love
Dutch: beloven
European Spanish: prometer
Finnish: luvata
French: promettre
German: versprechen
Greek: υπόσχομαι
Italian: promettere
Japanese: 約束する
Korean: 약속하다
Norwegian: love
Polish: obiecać
European Portuguese: prometer
Romanian: a promite
Russian: обещать
Latin American Spanish: prometer
Swedish: lova
Thai: สัญญา
Turkish: söz vermek
Ukrainian: обіцяти
Vietnamese: hứa
All related terms of 'promise'
vague promise
A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.
promise action
Action is doing something for a particular purpose.
election promise
A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.
manifesto promise
A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.
breach of promise
(formerly) failure to carry out one's promise to marry
fulfil a promise
A promise is a statement which you make to a person in which you say that you will definitely do something or give them something.
Land of Promise
→ Promised Land
promise a reward
A reward is a sum of money offered to anyone who can give information about lost or stolen property or about someone who is wanted by the police .
promise the earth
to promise to give people things that you cannot in fact possibly give them
promise the moon
to promise to give people things that you cannot in fact possibly give them
promise a crackdown
A crackdown is strong official action that is taken to punish people who break laws.
promise a revolution
A revolution in a particular area of human activity is an important change in that area.
a lick and a promise
something hastily done , esp a hurried wash
lick
When people or animals lick something, they move their tongue across its surface.
Chinese translation of 'promise'
promise
(ˈprɔmɪs)
n
(c)许(許)诺(諾) (xǔnuò) (个(個), gè)
(u) (= potential)
[of person]有前途 (yǒu qiántú)
[of thing]前景 (qiánjǐng)
vi
保证(證) (bǎozhèng)
vt
to promise sb sth, promise sth to sb保证(證)给(給)某人某物 (bǎozhèng gěi mǒurén mǒuwù)
to make a promise (to do sth)保证(證)(做某事) (bǎozhèng (zuò mǒushì))
to break/keep a promise (to do sth)违(違)背/遵守(做某事的)诺(諾)言 (wéibèi/zūnshǒu (zuò mǒushì de) nuòyán)
a young man of promise有希望的小伙(夥)子 (yǒu xīwàng de xiǎohuǒzi)
to promise (sb) that ... (向某人)保证(證) ... ((xiàng mǒurén) bǎozhèng ... )
to promise to do sth保证(證)做某事 (bǎozhèng zuò mǒushì)
it promises to be lively这(這)看来(來)很来(來)劲(勁) (zhè kàn lái hěn láijìn)
We guarantee to refund your money if you are not delighted with your purchase.
pledge
I pledge that by next year we will have the problem solved.
vow
She vowed that some day she would return to live in France.
swear
Alan swore that he would do everything in his power to help us.
contract
He has contracted to lease part of the collection to a museum in Japan.
assure
Last night's victory has assured their promotion.
undertake
He undertook to edit the text himself.
warrant
The ship owner must warrant that his vessel is seaworthy.
plight (old-fashioned)
He got down on bended knee and plighted his troth.
stipulate
International rules stipulate the number of foreign entrants.
vouch
take an oath
give an undertaking to
cross your heart
give your word
2 (verb)
Definition
to show signs of
The seminar promises to be most instructive.
Synonyms
seem likely
look like
hint at
show signs of
bespeak
augur
Already there were problems. It didn't augur well.
betoken
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
lead you to expect
hold out hopes of
give hope of
bid fair
hold a probability of
1 (noun)
Definition
an undertaking to do or not do something
If you make a promise, you should keep it.
Synonyms
guarantee
We can give no guarantee that their demands will be met.
word
He simply cannot be trusted to keep his word.
bond
I'm not about to betray my bond with my brother.
vow
Most people still take their marriage vows seriously.
commitment
We made a commitment to keep working together.
pledge
a pledge to step up cooperation between the states
undertaking
The new owners gave an undertaking that the factory would remain open.
assurance
an assurance that other forces will not move into the territory
engagement
compact
The Pilgrims signed a democratic compact aboard the Mayflower.
oath
a solemn oath by members to help each other
covenant
the United Nations covenant on civil and political rights
word of honour
2 (noun)
Definition
indication of future success
He first showed promise as an athlete in grade school.
Synonyms
potential
The boy has potential.
ability
No one had faith in his ability to do the job.
talent
Both her children have a talent for music.
capacity
Our capacity for giving care, love and attention is limited.
capability
These tasks are far beyond her capabilities.
flair
She has a flair for languages.
aptitude
He discovered an aptitude for working in accounts.
Quotations
Whom the gods wish to destroy they first call promising [Cyril Connolly – Enemies of Promise]We promise according to our hopes, and perform according to our fears [La Rochefoucauld – Maxims]Promises and pie-crust are made to be broken [Jonathan Swift – Polite Conversation]
Additional synonyms
in the sense of ability
Definition
possession of the necessary skill or power to do something
No one had faith in his ability to do the job.
Synonyms
capability,
power,
potential,
facility,
capacity,
qualification,
competence,
proficiency,
competency,
potentiality
in the sense of aptitude
Definition
natural tendency or ability
He discovered an aptitude for working in accounts.
Synonyms
gift,
ability,
talent,
capacity,
intelligence,
leaning,
bent,
tendency,
faculty,
capability,
flair,
inclination,
disposition,
knack,
propensity,
proficiency,
predilection,
cleverness,
proclivity (formal),
quickness,
giftedness,
proneness,
aptness
in the sense of assurance
Definition
a statement or assertion intended to inspire confidence
an assurance that other forces will not move into the territory
Synonyms
promise,
statement,
guarantee,
commitment,
pledge,
profession,
vow,
declaration,
assertion,
oath,
affirmation,
protestation (formal),
word,
word of honour
Synonyms of 'promise'
promise
Explore 'promise' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of assure
Definition
to make (something) certain
Last night's victory has assured their promotion.
Synonyms
make certain,
ensure,
confirm,
guarantee,
secure,
make sure,
complete,
seal,
clinch
in the sense of augur
Definition
to be a good or bad sign of future events
Already there were problems. It didn't augur well.
Synonyms
bode,
promise,
predict,
herald,
signify,
foreshadow,
prophesy,
harbinger,
presage,
prefigure,
portend,
betoken,
be an omen of,
bespeak (archaic)
in the sense of betoken
Definition
to indicate
His demeanour betokened embarrassment at his prosperity.
Synonyms
indicate,
mark,
suggest,
evidence,
promise,
represent,
declare,
manifest,
signify,
denote,
typify,
bode,
bespeak,
augur,
presage,
portend,
prognosticate
in the sense of bond
Definition
a written or spoken agreement, esp. a promise
I'm not about to betray my bond with my brother.
Synonyms
agreement,
word,
promise,
contract,
guarantee,
pledge,
obligation,
compact,
covenant
in the sense of capability
Definition
the ability or skill to do something
These tasks are far beyond her capabilities.
Synonyms
ability,
means,
power,
potential,
facility,
capacity,
qualification(s),
faculty,
competence,
proficiency,
wherewithal,
potentiality
in the sense of capacity
Definition
the ability to do something
Our capacity for giving care, love and attention is limited.
Synonyms
ability,
power,
strength,
facility,
gift,
intelligence,
efficiency,
genius,
faculty,
capability,
forte,
readiness,
aptitude,
aptness,
competence or competency
in the sense of commitment
Definition
an obligation, responsibility, or promise that restricts freedom of action
We made a commitment to keep working together.
Synonyms
pledge,
promise,
guarantee,
undertaking,
vow,
assurance,
word
in the sense of compact
Definition
a contract or agreement
The Pilgrims signed a democratic compact aboard the Mayflower.
Synonyms
agreement,
deal (informal),
understanding,
contract,
bond,
arrangement,
alliance,
treaty,
bargain,
pact,
covenant,
entente,
concordat
in the sense of contract
Definition
to make a formal agreement with (a person or company) to do or deliver (something)
He has contracted to lease part of the collection to a museum in Japan.
Synonyms
agree,
arrange,
negotiate,
engage,
pledge,
bargain,
undertake,
come to terms,
shake hands,
covenant,
make a deal,
commit yourself,
enter into an agreement
in the sense of covenant
Definition
a formal sealed agreement
the United Nations covenant on civil and political rights
Synonyms
promise,
contract,
agreement,
commitment,
arrangement,
treaty,
pledge,
bargain,
convention,
pact,
compact,
concordat,
trust
Additional synonyms
in the sense of engagement
Synonyms
promise,
word,
contract,
bond,
pledge,
undertaking,
vow,
obligation,
assurance,
pact,
compact,
oath
in the sense of flair
Definition
natural ability
She has a flair for languages.
Synonyms
ability,
feel,
talent,
gift,
genius,
faculty,
accomplishment,
mastery,
knack,
aptitude
in the sense of oath
Definition
a solemn promise, esp. to tell the truth in a court of law
a solemn oath by members to help each other
Synonyms
promise,
bond,
pledge,
vow,
word,
compact,
covenant,
affirmation,
sworn statement,
avowal,
word of honour
in the sense of pledge
Definition
to promise solemnly
I pledge that by next year we will have the problem solved.
Synonyms
promise,
vow,
vouch,
swear,
contract,
engage,
undertake,
give your word,
give your word of honour,
give your oath
in the sense of pledge
Definition
a solemn promise
a pledge to step up cooperation between the states
Synonyms
promise,
vow,
assurance,
word,
undertaking,
warrant,
oath,
covenant,
word of honour
in the sense of plight
He got down on bended knee and plighted his troth.
Synonyms
promise,
contract,
propose,
guarantee,
engage,
pledge,
vow,
swear,
covenant,
vouch
in the sense of stipulate
Definition
to specify (something) as a condition of an agreement
International rules stipulate the number of foreign entrants.
Synonyms
specify,
state,
agree,
require,
promise,
contract,
settle,
guarantee,
engage,
pledge,
lay down,
covenant,
postulate,
insist upon,
lay down or impose conditions
in the sense of swear
Definition
to give evidence on oath in a law court
Alan swore that he would do everything in his power to help us.
Synonyms
vow,
promise,
take an oath,
warrant,
testify,
depose,
attest,
avow,
give your word,
state under oath,
pledge yourself
in the sense of talent
Definition
a natural ability to do something well
Both her children have a talent for music.
Synonyms
ability,
gift,
aptitude,
parts,
power,
skill,
facility,
capacity,
bent,
genius,
expertise,
faculty,
endowment,
forte,
flair,
knack
in the sense of undertake
Definition
to promise to do something
He undertook to edit the text himself.
Synonyms
agree,
promise,
contract,
guarantee,
engage,
pledge,
covenant,
commit yourself,
take upon yourself
Additional synonyms
in the sense of undertaking
Definition
an agreement to do something
The new owners gave an undertaking that the factory would remain open.
Synonyms
promise,
commitment,
pledge,
word,
vow,
assurance,
word of honour,
solemn word
in the sense of vow
Definition
to promise or decide solemnly
She vowed that some day she would return to live in France.
Synonyms
promise,
pledge,
swear,
commit,
engage,
affirm,
avow,
bind yourself,
undertake solemnly,
devote,
dedicate
in the sense of vow
Definition
a solemn and binding promise
Most people still take their marriage vows seriously.
Synonyms
promise,
commitment,
pledge,
oath,
profession,
troth (archaic),
avowal
in the sense of warrant
The ship owner must warrant that his vessel is seaworthy.