PROMISE


Meaning of PROMISE in English

/ 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.

Oxford Advanced Learner's English Dictionary.      Оксфордский английский словарь для изучающик язык на продвинутом уровне.