prom·ise
(prŏḿĭs)
[Middle English promis, from Old French promise, from Medieval Latin prōmissa, alteration of Latin prōmissum from neuter past participle of prōmittere, to send forth, promise, prō-, forth; see pro–1, + mittere, to send.]
noun
- A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
- Something promised.
- Indication of something favorable to come; expectation: a promise of spring in the air.
- Indication of future excellence or success: a player of great promise.
verb: -ised, -is·ing, -is·es.
transitive verb
- To commit oneself by a promise to do or give; pledge: left but promised to return.
- To afford a basis for expecting: thunderclouds that promise rain.
intransitive verb
- To make a declaration assuring that something will or will not be done.
- To afford a basis for expectation: an enterprise that promises well.
derivatives
- proḿis·er
- noun
synonyms:
promise, pledge, swear, vow1 These verbs mean to declare solemnly that one will follow a particular course of action: promises to write soon; pledged to uphold the law; swore to get revenge; vowed to fight to the finish.
