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promise

prom·ise

promise

 
 
pronunciation:
pra mihs
parts of speech:
transitive verb, noun, intransitive verb
features:
Word Combinations (verb, noun), Word Explorer, Grammatical Patterns, Word Parts
part of speech: transitive verb
inflections: promises, promising, promised
definition 1: to pledge (something).
I promise to be back before midnight.[verb + infinitive ] We promise that we will take good care of this child.[verb + (that) + clause ] He promised that he would write to her every week.[verb + (that) + clause ]
synonyms:
undertake
similar words:
assure, commit, covenant, guarantee, guaranty, pledge, plight, stipulate, swear, vow
definition 2: to assure (someone); make a pledge to.
He promised the boys that he would bring them each a present.[verb + smby + (that) + clause ] You promised me that you'd repay the loan.[verb + smby + (that) + clause ]
definition 3: to pledge to give or supply.
The boss promised him a raise starting in January.[verb + object + object ] He promised his daughter a pony.[verb + object + object ] I can't give you my old bike because I already promised it to Anthony.
synonyms:
pledge
similar words:
assure, guarantee
definition 4: to give reason for expecting.
His negative attitude promises failure.
synonyms:
augur, betoken, bode, foretell, indicate, portend, presage
similar words:
assure, bespeak, denote, imply, signify, suggest
 
part of speech: noun
definition 1: a statement absolutely assuring that a specified event will or will not occur; pledge.
She made the boy a promise that she would always keep his secret.I have never broken my promise to you.
synonyms:
assurance
similar words:
avowal, commitment, covenant, guarantee, guaranty, oath, obligation, pledge, vow, warrant, word, word of honor
definition 2: potential for excellence or accomplishment.
Your daughter shows great promise as a violinist.
synonyms:
capability, potential
similar words:
ability, possibility, potency
definition 3: indication of a probable future condition or occurrence.
Warm winds held the promise of spring.
synonyms:
indication, sign
similar words:
augury, capability, hint, prospect, suggestion, token
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part of speech: intransitive verb
definition: to make a promise.
She's always promising but seldom follows through on anything.
synonyms:
pledge
similar words:
covenant, engage, swear, take an oath, vow
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derivation: promiser (n.)
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