n. 1 assurance, (solemn) word (of honour), pledge, vow, oath, undertaking, engagement, bond, commitment, guaranty, guarantee, warranty; agreement, contract, covenant, compact You have my promise that the book will be completed by the deadline She broke her promise to marry him. Unlike a contract, a promise does not imply a mutual commitment. 2 expectation, potential, capability; likelihood, probability This first novel shows a lot of promise There is little promise that compensation will be paid to the victims by the government.
v. 3 assure, give one's word (of honour), pledge, swear, vow, take an oath, undertake, engage, commit oneself, guarantee or guaranty, warrant, cross one's heart (and hope to die) Harold promised to do what cannot be done We were promised a free ride on the roundabout. She promises she will repay the loan promptly. Make him pay for the damage as he promised. 4 give indication of, hint at, suggest, foretell, augur, indicate, show signs of, be in store for, look like, seem or appear likely or probable, Brit be on the cards, US be in the cards, Literary bid fair, betoken, bespeak Though the economic situation promised to improve, many were disappointed that it took so long