Definition of PROMISE

promise

Plural: promises

Noun

  • a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
  • grounds for feeling hopeful about the future
    • "there is little or no promise that he will recover"
  • an oath or affirmation; a vow.
  • A transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use.
  • Reason to expect improvement or success; potential.
  • A placeholder object representing the eventual result of an asynchronous operation.
  • bestowal or fulfillment of what is promised

Verb

Verb Forms: promised, promising, promises

  • To declare an assurance; to commit to an action.
  • make a promise or commitment
  • promise to undertake or give
    • "I promise you my best effort"
  • make a prediction about; tell in advance
  • give grounds for expectations
    • "The results promised fame and glory"
  • To commit to (some action or outcome), or to assure (a person) of such commitment; to make an oath or vow.
  • To give grounds for expectation, especially of something good.

Examples

  • He broke his promise: he said he'd return my jewellery, but never did.
  • He promised me a big kiss if I would drive him to the airport.
  • He would promise to win, but the tile draws often had other plans.
  • I can't promise success, but I'll do the best I can.
  • If you promise not to tell anyone, I will let you have this cake for free.
  • She promised to never return to this town again.
  • She shows great promise as an actress.
  • The clouds promise rain.
  • When I make a promise, I always stick to it.

Origin / Etymology

From Middle English promis, promisse, borrowed from Old French promesse, from Medieval Latin prōmissa, Latin prōmissum (“a promise”), feminine and neuter past participles of prōmittō (“I send forth, I say beforehand, I promise”), from pro (“forth”) + mittere (“to send”); see mission. Compare admit, commit, permit, etc. Displaced native ġehātan (“to promise”) and ġehāt (“a promise”).

Scrabble Score: 11

promise: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
promise: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
promise: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 13

promise: valid Words With Friends Word