promise

 
Pronunciation: /ˈprɒmɪs/

noun

  • 1a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen: what happened to all those firm promises of support? [with infinitive]: I did not keep my promise to go home early
  • [in singular] an indication that something is likely to occur: dawn came with the promise of fine weather
  • 2 [mass noun] the quality of potential excellence: he showed great promise even as a junior officer

verb

  • 1 [reporting verb] assure someone that one will definitely do something or that something will happen: [with infinitive]: he promised to forward my mail [with clause]: she made him promise that he wouldn’t do it again [with direct speech]: ‘I’ll bring it straight back,’ she promised [with two objects]: he promised her the job
  • [with object] archaic pledge (someone, especially a woman) to marry someone else; betroth: I’ve been promised to him for years
  • 2 [with object] give good grounds for expecting (a particular occurrence): forthcoming concerts promise a feast of music [with infinitive]: it promised to be a night that all would remember
  • announce (something) as being expected to happen: forecasters were promising a record snowfall in Boston [with two objects]: we’re promised more winter weather tonight
  • (promise oneself) contemplate the pleasant expectation of: he tidied up the sitting room, promising himself an early night

Phrases

I promise (or I promise you)

informal used for emphasis, especially so as to reassure, encourage, or threaten someone: oh, I’m not joking, I promise you

on a promise

informal confidently assured of something, especially of having sexual intercourse: a shop where Tom and I are on a promise with the girls serving there

promise (someone) the earth (or moon)

make extravagant promises to someone that are unlikely to be fulfilled: interactive technology titillates, promises the earth but delivers nothing

promises, promises

informal used to indicate that the speaker is sceptical about someone’s stated intention to do something.

Derivatives

promiser

noun

Origin:

late Middle English: from Latin promissum 'something promised', neuter past participle of promittere 'put forth, promise', from pro- 'forward' + mittere 'send'

Spelling help

Unlike most verbs ending in -ise, promise cannot be spelled with an -ize ending.