promise

Formspromises, promising, promised

Pluralpromises

1. 1
   swear to doverbtransitive or intransitive

   To tell someone you will surely do something.

   I promise to help you clean up after the party.

   She promised to call me when she got home.

   UsageSay promise to do something, promise not to tell, or promise someone something.

   Similarpledge, vow, swear, guarantee, undertake

2. 2
   a vow madenouncountable

   When you tell someone that you will certainly do something, or not do it.

   Like an invisible string that ties your word to what you said you would do.

   She made a promise to call her grandmother every Sunday.

   He broke his promise and never returned the book.

   UsageYou make, keep or break a promise.

3. 3
   potentialnoununcountable

   A sign that someone or something may do very well in the future.

   Like a green bud that tells you the plant will grow strong.

   The young pitcher shows great promise on the mound.

   Her first paintings were full of promise.

   UsageSay someone shows promise or is full of promise.

   Similarpotential, prospects

4. 4
   look likelyverbtransitive or intransitive

   To give a good reason to expect that something will happen.

   Dark clouds promise rain before night.

   Her bright smile promised good news.

   UsageThings can promise too: dark clouds promise rain, a day promises to be hot.

   Similaraugur, herald, signal, suggest, indicate

   Note

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