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DictionarypromiseCommitment
noun / verb

promise

PRAH-mis/ˈprɑːmɪs/

An assurance that something will happen or be done.

The friend makes a promise to return the borrowed book.

Two friends make a sincere promise with a handshake and steady eye contact, one holding a small borrowed book.
Etymology
proLatinbefore, beforehand
+miseLatinto send, let go

The combination of sending and beforehand had the sense of assuring in advance. A promise makes that advance assurance a pledge that a particular future action will be carried out.

In context

TED3:42
"The second thing I want you to promise me is that you'll always do the right thing, even when the right thing is the hard thing."
Bryan Stevenson: We need to talk about an injustice | TED

More examples

  • I promise not to tell anyone your secret.
  • They promised to finish the repairs by Friday.
  • Clear skies promise a beautiful day for the picnic.

Forms

promise · promises · promised · promising

Similar words

pledge
A more formal or solemn commitment to act.
guarantee
A firmer assurance, often backed by a remedy if unmet.
vow
A deeply serious promise, often personal or religious.