What does promise mean?
Promise is a common English word used for a commitment to act, provide, or refrain from acting in a particular way. As a noun, it describes the commitment itself: someone may make, keep, or break a promise. It can also indicate a likely possibility, as in “a promise of better weather,” especially when something seems to offer encouragement or an attractive prospect. As a verb, promise is used when someone gives their word that a future action or result will occur; it can be followed by an infinitive, as in “I promise to call,” or an indirect object and a noun phrase, as in “He promised us an answer.” The word often carries a stronger implication of personal responsibility than guarantee, although its tone can range from warmly reassuring in informal conversation to formal and consequential in legal or diplomatic contexts. It is useful because it can describe both a firm interpersonal commitment and a less definite indication of future possibility.
A firm commitment to do something or provide something; also, an indication that a desirable outcome is likely.
"Her promise to return the book was forgotten."
The noun is countable and commonly appears with make, keep, and break. In the sense of a likely prospect, it often takes of: “a promise of rain.”
To give one's word that one will do something or provide something; to assure someone that a future outcome will occur.
"They promised to finish the work before Friday."
Common patterns include “promise to do something” and “promise someone something.” The promise can be sincere, formal, or deliberately reassuring rather than guaranteed.
The plural is formed by adding -s. “Promises” can refer to several commitments or to a speaker's repeated assurances.
"He has made several promises about improving the service."
The word promise comes from a Latin verb meaning to put forth or announce, reflecting the ancient idea of giving one's word in advance.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does promise come from?
The word entered Middle English from Old French promise, a noun derived from the Latin promittere, meaning to put forth, announce, or promise. Promittere was formed from the prefix pro-, meaning forward or forth, and mittere, meaning to send. The same Latin root underlies related forms such as promissory, commit, omit, and permission.
Related word forms
How promise is actually used
As a noun, promise is commonly used in phrases such as “make,” “keep,” and “break a promise.” As a verb, it often takes the pattern “promise someone something” or “promise to do something.” “I promise” is common in both formal and informal speech and is often used to emphasize sincerity.