Definition of promise
(Entry 1 of 2)
1a : 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
promise
verbpromised; promising
Definition of promise (Entry 2 of 2)
1 : to pledge to do, bring about, or provide
promise aid
4 : to suggest beforehand : give promise of
dark clouds promise rain
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Time Traveler for promise
The first known use of promise was in the 15th century
See more words from the same century