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Dictionary definition of promise

A commitment or assurance made by one person to another, often accompanied by a sense of duty or obligation.
"Jane's broken promise damaged her reputation and strained her relationship with her colleagues."

Detailed meaning of promise

It represents a declaration of intent or a pledge to fulfill a specific action or meet a particular condition in the future. Promises serve as powerful social and emotional bonds, establishing trust, reliability, and accountability between individuals or groups. They carry with them a moral and ethical weight, highlighting the importance of honesty, integrity, and keeping one's word. Whether in personal relationships, business transactions, or societal agreements, promises hold the potential to shape the course of interactions and outcomes. While a promise can foster hope and security, it also demands responsibility and requires effort to honor, as it forms the foundation of trust and credibility in human interactions.

Example sentences of promise

1. Sarah made a promise to her best friend to always be there for her.
2. The politician's empty promises left the citizens disillusioned.
3. John's parents kept their promise and bought him the puppy he had always wanted.
4. I made a promise to myself to start exercising regularly.
5. The company failed to deliver on its promise of a speedy resolution to the customer's complaint.
6. Emily's heartfelt promise to her grandmother brought tears to her eyes.

History and etymology of promise

The noun 'promise' has its etymological roots in the Latin word 'promissum,' which is the neuter form of 'promissus,' a past participle of 'promittere.' In Latin, 'promittere' is a combination of 'pro,' meaning 'forward,' and 'mittere,' meaning 'to send.' Thus, 'promittere' meant 'to send forth' or 'to put forth.' Over time, it evolved to signify a commitment or assurance made by one person to another, often accompanied by a sense of duty or obligation to fulfill it. This concept was adopted into Old French as 'promesse' and later into Middle English, where it became 'promise,' retaining its fundamental meaning of a pledge or commitment to perform a certain action or uphold a particular obligation. The etymology of 'promise' underscores its historical association with making commitments or assurances to others, highlighting the sense of trust and responsibility that accompanies such declarations.

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Further usage examples of promise

1. The teacher reminded the students to keep their promises and submit their assignments on time.
2. Despite facing numerous obstacles, Jake was determined to fulfill his promise of graduating with honors.
3. The bride and groom exchanged vows, promising to love and cherish each other for the rest of their lives.
4. The charity organization made a promise to provide food and shelter to the homeless.
5. The father promised his son a trip to the amusement park if he performed well in school.
6. He made a promise to always be there for her.
7. A promise is a bond built on trust and commitment.
8. The politician's promises won the hearts of many voters.
9. Their love was founded on mutual promises of devotion.
10. A promise is a solemn commitment to honor one's word.
11. Breaking a promise can erode trust in a relationship.
12. She kept her promise to support the charitable cause.
13. Promises should be made with genuine intention.
14. The CEO's promise of innovation excited the employees.
15. A promise is like a contract of the heart.
16. Keeping promises is a sign of integrity and reliability.
17. His promise to never give up motivated him to succeed.
18. A promise made in earnest is a powerful commitment.
19. Promises are the building blocks of meaningful relationships.
20. She felt a deep sense of duty to fulfill her promises.
21. Promises are the currency of trust in friendships.
22. Their promises to each other strengthened their bond.
23. He fulfilled his promise to mentor young entrepreneurs.
24. Promises are the threads that weave the fabric of society.
25. A promise kept is a testament to one's character.