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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Promise: Definition, Usage & Examples Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：to commit (promise)

promise 🔊

/ˈprɒmɪs/

n./v.

To say that you will definitely do or not do something.

Promise definition illustrated by a firm handshake sealing a deal or commitment.

to commit 🔊

➕

/tə kəˈmɪt/

n./v.

A verb meaning to give one's word or make a formal assurance to do or not do something. It involves a voluntary declaration of future action, creating an expectation of follow-through.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'promissum' ('something sent forth'), from 'pro-' (forth) + 'mittere' (to send).

💡 Mnemonic

PROmise ME: Think 'pro-' (forward) + 'me'. You send your word forward to me about the future.

📖 Example

Before lending him her favorite book, she asked, "Can you promise to return it by Friday?" 🔊 Before handing over her cherished book, she inquired, "Will you give me your word to bring it back by Friday?"

🔗 Collocations

make a promise – To formally give one's word or assurance about something.

break a promise – To fail to do what one has assured others one would do.

keep a promise – To fulfill or honor the assurance one has given.

🔄 Synonyms

pledge (v.) – To make a formal, often public, promise or commitment.

vow (v.) – To make a solemn promise, often in a religious or very serious context.

swear (v.) – To make a very serious, binding promise, sometimes invoking a higher authority.

🚫 Antonyms

refuse (v.) – To indicate that one will not do something.

reject (v.) – To dismiss or decline a request or proposal, implying no commitment.

🌱 Derivatives

promising (adj.) – Showing signs of future success or excellence.

promissory (adj.) – Conveying or implying a promise, especially in finance (e.g., a promissory note).

📖 Cultural Story

Evolving from Latin 'promittere' (to send forth, foretell), through Old French 'promesse'. It entered English with both legal and personal connotations, central to concepts of trust and contract in Western society. Keeping one's word is a foundational virtue in many cultural and legal systems.

Meaning 2：an assurance (promise)

promise 🔊

/ˈprɒmɪs/

n./v.

The thing that you say you will definitely do; your word or assurance.

Promise example showing a handwritten note pledging to care for a plant.

an assurance 🔊

➕

/ən əˈʃʊrəns/

n./v.

A noun referring to the declaration or assurance itself that one will do something. It can also signify a sign or indication of future potential or good results.

📁 Category：Social Roles 🔖 Level：Elementary

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The clear blue sky and warm breeze gave us the promise of a beautiful sunny day for our picnic. 🔊 The unclouded azure sky and gentle wind provided an assurance of perfect weather for our outdoor meal.

🔗 Collocations

fulfill a promise – To carry out or complete the thing one assured to do.

show promise – To display signs of likely future success or ability.

empty promise – An assurance that is unlikely to be kept or is made insincerely.

🔄 Synonyms

assurance (n.) – A positive declaration intended to give confidence.

commitment (n.) – A pledge or obligation to do something.

guarantee (n.) – A formal promise or assurance, often with an implication of backing or security.

🚫 Antonyms

betrayal (n.) – The act of breaking faith or failing to uphold a trust or promise.

lie (n.) – A false statement made with intent to deceive, the opposite of a truthful assurance.