Definition of promise
1a : a declaration that one will do or refrain from doing something specifiedb : 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
Read the Latest from M-W
Examples of promise in a Sentence
She gave me her promise.
She never made a promise that she didn't intend to keep.
There is little promise of relief in the forecast.
They were attracted by the promise of success.
a sunny morning that gives every promise of a fine day
There is a promise of better days ahead.
Origin and Etymology 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
First Known Use: 15th century
promise
Definition of promise
promised
;promising
Examples of promise in a Sentence
Promise me that you won't tell anyone.
I can't promise you that I'll be able to go, but I'll do my best.
The governor promised that the prisoners would receive a fair trial.
She promised to announce the results tomorrow.
International organizations have promised aid.
I promise to be careful.
You always promise, but you never do what you say you will.
“I won't tell anyone.” “Promise?” “Yes, I promise.”
Those gray skies promise rain.
15th Century
First Known Use of promise
15th century
PROMISE Defined for English Language Learners
promise
playDefinition of promise for English Language Learners
-
: 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
promise
Definition of promise for English Language Learners
-
: 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)
PROMISE Defined for Kids
Definition of promise for Students
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.
Definition of promise for Students
promised
;promising
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.
Law Dictionary
promise
Legal Definition of promise
: a declaration or manifestation especially in a contract of an intention to act or refrain from acting in a specified way that gives the party to whom it is made a right to expect its fulfillment aleatory promise : a promise (as to compensate an insured individual for future loss) whose fulfillment is dependent on a fortuitous or uncertain event collateral promise : a promise usually to pay the debt of another that is ancillary to an original promise, is not made for the benefit of the party making it, and must be in writing to be enforceable false promise : a promise that is made with no intention of carrying it out and especially with intent to deceive or defraud gratuitous promise : a promise that is made without consideration and is usually unenforceable —called also naked promise — compare nudum pactum Editor's note: A gratuitous promise may be enforceable under promissory estoppel. illusory promise : a purported promise that does not actually bind the party making it to a particular performance an illusory promise depending solely on the will of the supposed promisor implied promise : a promise that is considered to exist despite the lack of an agreement or express terms to that effect and the breach of which may be recognized as a cause of action claimed a breach of an implied promise that he would not be terminated at will — see also promise implied in fact and promise implied in law in this entry naked promise : gratuitous promise in this entry original promise : a promise (as in a suretyship) usually to pay the debt of another that is made primarily for the benefit of the party making it and need not be in writing to be enforceable — compare collateral promise in this entry, main purpose rule promise implied in fact : an implied promise that exists by inference from specific facts, circumstances, or acts of the parties promise implied in law : an implied promise that exists on the basis of a legally enforceable duty and not on the basis of words or conduct which are promissory in form or support an inference of a promise a promise implied in law that one will be compensated for services rendered and accepted
Learn More about promise
-
See words that rhyme with promise Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for promise Spanish Central: Translation of promise Nglish: Translation of promise for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of promise for Arabic speakers
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up promise? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!