promise

prom-ise · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    A declaration that one will do something or that something will happen.

  2. 2.

    An indication that something is likely to occur or be successful.

  3. 3.

    Assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen.

  4. 4.

    Give good grounds for expecting something.

Forms

plural: promises

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    promise the world — Make extravagant promises.
  • •
    show promise — Demonstrate potential for success.
  • •
    a promise is a promise — One must keep commitments.
  • •
    keep/break a promise — Fulfill/fail to fulfill a commitment.
  • •
    I promise — Used to emphasize truthfulness.
  • •
    empty promise — A promise with no intention of being kept.

Related words

See also: commitment, guarantee, pledge, vow
Synonyms: assurance, commitment, pledge, vow

Etymology

From Latin promissum ("a promise"), neuter past participle of promittere ("to send forth, promise"), from pro ("forward") + mittere ("to send").