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promise definition

prom·ise (prämis)

noun

  1. an oral or written agreement to do or not to do something; vow
  2. indication, as of a successful prospect or future; basis for expectation
  3. something promised

Etymology: ME promis < L promissum < promittere, to send before or forward < pro-, forth + mittere, to send: see pro- & mission

intransitive verb promised -·ised, promising -·is·ing

  1. to make a promise
  2. to give a basis for expectation: often with well or fair

transitive verb

  1. to make a promise of (something) to somebody
  2. to engage or pledge: followed by an infinitive or a clause to promise to go
  3. to give a basis for expecting
  4. Informal to declare emphatically; assure
  5. Archaic to pledge to give in marriage

Related Forms:

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