promise
7 ENTRIES FOUND:
plural
promises
plural
promises
Britannica Dictionary definition of PROMISE
1
[count]
:
a statement telling someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
-
I'll be here early tomorrow, and that's a promise. [=I promise that I'll be here early tomorrow]
-
Do I have your promise that you'll support me? [=do you promise to support me?]
-
She gave me her promise.
-
I don't believe his promise of further tax cuts. = I don't believe his promise to cut taxes further.
-
He made a promise to help her. = He made a promise that he would help her. [=he promised to help her]
-
He kept/fulfilled his promise. [=he did what he said he would do]
-
He broke his promise. = He went back on his promise. [=he didn't do what he said he would do]
-
She never made a promise that she didn't intend to keep.
2
[noncount]
:
an indication of future success or improvement
-
a young artist who shows (a lot of) promise [=who seems talented and likely to do good work in the future]
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Her early novels were full of promise. [=were very promising]
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The new drug holds/has promise. [=the new drug could be effective or successful]
3
:
a reason to expect that something will happen in the future
— + of
[noncount]
-
There is little promise of relief in the forecast.
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They were attracted by the promise of success.
[singular]
-
a sunny morning that gives every promise of a fine day
-
There is a promise of better days ahead.
a lick and a promise
2
promise
/ˈprɑːməs/
verb
promises;
promised;
promising
2
promise
/ˈprɑːməs/
verb
promises;
promised;
promising
Britannica Dictionary definition of PROMISE
1
:
to tell someone that you will definitely do something or that something will definitely happen in the future
[+ object]
-
He promised to buy his son a new bicycle. = He promised his son a new bicycle. = He promised a new bicycle to his son.
-
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.
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She promised to announce the results tomorrow.
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International organizations have promised aid.
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I promise to be careful.
[no object]
-
You always promise, but you never do what you say you will.
-
“I won't tell anyone.” “Promise?” “Yes, I promise.”
2
[+ object]
somewhat formal
:
to make (something) seem likely
:
to show signs of (something that is likely or expected to happen)
-
Those gray skies promise rain.
◊ Something that promises to be good, exciting, etc., is expected to be good, exciting, etc.
-
The race promises to be the most exciting of the season.
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It promises to be a good game. [=it should be a good game]
I (can) promise you
— used to emphasize a statement
-
He's only concerned about himself, I promise [=assure] you.
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I can promise you, you won't be disappointed.
promise (someone) the stars/moon/earth/world
:
to promise (someone) that you will do or give something great or wonderful even though it is not possible
-
He promised her the stars and the moon, but he never even bought her flowers.
-
Politicians will promise the earth when they're trying to get elected.
