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DictionaryvowSolemn promise
noun / verb

vow

VOW/vˈaʊ/

A solemn promise or the act of making one.

The partners join hands as they exchange a wedding vow.

Two adult partners face each other at a small wedding ceremony, hands gently joined as one solemnly speaks a promise; plain rings, no written vows, decorative lettering or audience.
Etymology
vowLatinsolemn pledge, promise to a god

Latin votum named a solemn pledge, especially a promise to a god. English vow likewise had a religious application before broadening to a solemn promise more generally.

In context

Enhanced Public Domain245:44
when he heard the decision of the Court he made at that moment a solemn vow to deliver him and then looked around for the means after many fruitless attempts to gain admittance to the prison
1800s Fiction Audiobook: Mary Shelley - Frankenstein

More examples

  • She vowed to tell the truth.
  • He kept his vow despite the difficulty.
  • They are vowing to rebuild the damaged school.

Forms

vow · vows · vowed · vowing

Similar words

pledge
A serious promise or commitment.
oath
A solemn declaration often invoking a witness or authority.