First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
1promise
noun prom·ise \ˈprä-məs\
: a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
: an indication of future success or improvement
: a reason to expect that something will happen in the future
Full Definition of PROMISE
1
a : a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specified b : a legally binding declaration that gives the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act
2
: reason to expect something <little promise of relief>; especially : ground for expectation of success, improvement, or excellence <shows considerable promise>
3
: something that is promised
See promise defined for English-language learners
See promise defined for kids
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Origin of PROMISE
Middle English promis, from Latin promissum, from neuter of promissus, past participle of promittere to send forth, promise, from pro- forth + mittere to send
2promise
verb
: to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
: to make (something) seem likely : to show signs of (something that is likely or expected to happen)
prom·isedprom·is·ing
Full Definition of PROMISE
transitive verb
1
: to pledge to do, bring about, or provide <promise aid>
3
chiefly dialect : betroth
4
: to suggest beforehand : give promise of <dark clouds promise rain>
intransitive verb
1
: to make a promise
2
: to give ground for expectation : be imminent
— prom·is·ee \ˌprä-mə-ˈsē\ noun
— prom·i·sor \-ˈsȯr\ also prom·is·er \ˈprä-mə-sər\ noun
See promise defined for English-language learners
First Known Use of PROMISE
15th century
PROMISED Defined for Kids
1promise
noun prom·ise \ˈprä-məs\
Definition of PROMISE for Kids
1
: a statement by a person that he or she will do or not do something <I made a promise to pay within a month.>
2
: a cause or ground for hope <These plans give promise of success.>
2promise
verb
prom·isedprom·is·ing
Definition of PROMISE for Kids
1
: to state that something will or will not be done <I promise to clean my room this afternoon.>
2
: to give reason to expect <Dark clouds promise rain.>
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