promise

prom|ise1 [ `pramıs ] verb intransitive or transitive ***

1. ) to tell someone you will definitely do something:

The police chief promised tougher action against young criminals.

promise to do something: Peter wished he'd never promised to help them.

promise someone (that): Promise me you'll be home before dark.

We always promised ourselves that we'd visit Hawaii one day.

promise something to someone: Relief organizations are promising aid to the country.

as promised (=in the way that had been promised): She phoned at 9 a.m., as promised.

promise faithfully (=very strongly): Ellen promised faithfully not to open her present until her birthday.

a ) I promise (you) SPOKEN used for emphasizing that what you are saying is true:

I will be there, I promise you.

b ) promise someone the moon/earth to make a promise that you are unlikely to be able to keep

2. ) FORMAL to make it seem likely that something will happen:

This evening promises to be a lot of fun.

promise

prom|ise 2 [ `pramıs ] noun ***

1. ) count a statement in which you say that something will definitely happen, or you will definitely do something:

the party's broken election promises

promise to: Audrey remembered her promise to her father that she would work harder.

make/give a promise: I'll try, but I'm not making any promises!

promise to do something: You made a promise to deal with it immediately.

keep a promise: He swore he would return one day, and he kept his promise.

break a promise: The army broke its promise to return the country to civilian rule.

a ) promise of FORMAL a strong suggestion that something will happen or be given:

The promise of permanent employment is almost nonexistent today.

Settlers supported the king in return for the promise of land.

2. ) uncount signs that someone or something is likely to be successful in the future: POTENTIAL:

Life was hopeful and full of promise.

Her invention failed to fulfill its initial promise.

show promise: He shows great promise as an interpreter.

hold promise: This technology holds considerable promise for improving inner city living conditions.

a ) promise of LITERARY a sign that something is likely to happen:

the promise of an early spring

promises, promises SPOKEN

used for saying that you do not think someone will do what they say they will do