promise Definition

promise
verb promised, promising

tr & intr
1. To give an undertaking (to do or not do something).

Thesaurus: vow, swear, affirm, pledge, guarantee, take an oath, vouch, contract, engage.
2. To undertake to give something to someone.

Example: promised him a treat
3. To show signs of bringing something.

Example: clouds that promise rain
4. To look likely (to do something).

Example: promises to have a great future
5. To assure or warn.

Example: I promise nothing bad will happen

noun

1. An assurance to give, do or not do something.

Thesaurus: pledge, guarantee, oath, vow, word, word of honour, covenant, commitment, assurance, compact, bond, engagement.
2. A sign.

Example: promise of spring in the air
3. Signs of future excellence.

Thesaurus: hope, potential, talent, aptitude, capability, ability, capacity, flair.

Idiom: promise well (promise badly)

To give grounds for hope, or despondency.

Derivative: promisee
noun

Derivative: promiser
noun

Etymology: 14c: from Latin promittere, promissum to send forth.