/ ˈprɒmɪs; NAmE ˈprɑːm-/ verb , noun
■ verb
1.
promise sth (to sb) | promise sb sth to tell sb that you will definitely do or not do sth, or that sth will definitely happen :
[ v to inf ]
The college principal promised to look into the matter.
[ v to inf , v ]
'Promise not to tell anyone!' 'I promise.'
[ v ]
They arrived at 7.30 as they had promised .
[ vn ]
The government has promised a full investigation into the disaster.
I'll see what I can do but I can't promise anything .
[ v ( that )]
The brochure promised (that) the local food would be superb.
[ vn ( that )]
You promised me (that) you'd be home early tonight.
[ vn , vnn ]
He promised the money to his grandchildren.
He promised his grandchildren the money.
[ vnn ]
I've promised myself some fun when the exams are over.
[ v speech ]
'I'll be back soon,' she promised.
[also vn speech ]
2.
to make sth seem likely to happen; to show signs of sth :
[ v to inf ]
It promises to be an exciting few days.
[ vn ]
There were dark clouds overhead promising rain.
•
IDIOMS
- I (can) promise you
- promise (sb) the earth / moon / world
—more at lick noun
■ noun
1.
[ C ] promise (to do sth) | promise (that ... ) a statement that tells sb that you will definitely do or not do sth :
to make / keep / break a promise
She kept her promise to visit her aunt regularly.
The government failed to keep its promise of lower taxes.
Do I have your promise that you won't tell anyone about this?
You haven't gone back on your promise, have you?
2.
[ U ] a sign that sb/sth will be successful
SYN potential :
Her work shows great promise .
He failed to fulfil his early promise .
Their future was full of promise .
3.
[ U , sing. ] promise of sth a sign, or a reason for hope that sth may happen, especially sth good :
The day dawned bright and clear, with the promise of warm, sunny weather.
••
WORD ORIGIN
late Middle English : from Latin promissum something promised, neuter past participle of promittere put forth, promise, from pro- forward + mittere send.