Cambridge Dictionaries online Cambridge Dictionaries online

The most popular online dictionary and thesaurus for learners of English

  

promise

verb [I or T] (SAY CERTAINLY)
 
 
/ˈprɒm.ɪs/ US  /ˈprɑː.mɪs/

Definition

B1 to tell someone that you will certainly do something: [+ to infinitive] He promised faithfully to call me every week. [+ that] The government have promised that they'll reduce taxes. [+ (that)] Promise me (that) you won't tell him. I'll have a look for some while I'm at the shops but I'm not promising anything. Can I have that book back when you've finished because I've promised it (= I have said I will give it) to Sara. [+ two objects] Her parents promised her a new car if she passed her exams. I've promised myself a long bath when I get through all this work. [+ speech] "I'll come round and see you every day," she promised. "I won't do anything dangerous." "You promise?" "I promise." "I won't have time to take you shopping this afternoon." "But you promised!"Making and breaking promises and commitments
(Definition of promise verb (SAY CERTAINLY) from the Cambridge Advanced Learner's Dictionary & Thesaurus © Cambridge University Press)

“promise” in other dictionaries

Word of the Day

throw sb together

If two people are thrown together, they meet each other in a way that was not planned, or events...

Word of the Day

Blog

Read our blog about how the English language behaves.

Learn More

New Words

Find words and meanings that have just started to be used in English, and let us know what you think of them.

Learn More