26984 words

promises

9 definitions • 22 examples
1
to tell someone that you will certainly do something:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] He promised faithfully to call me every week.
[ + that ] The government have promised that they'll reduce taxes.
[ + (that) ] Promise me (that) you won't tell him.
I'll look for some while I'm at the shops but I'm not promising anything.
Can I have that book back when you've finished because I've promised it (= I have said I will give it) to Sara.
[ + two objects ] Her parents promised her a new car if she passed her exams.
I've promised myself a long bath when I get through all this work.
[ + speech ] "I'll come round and see you every day," she promised.
"I won't do anything dangerous." "You promise?" "I promise."
"I won't have time to take you shopping this afternoon." "But you promised!"
2
If something promises to be good, exciting, etc. it is expected to be good, exciting, etc.:

Examples:

It promises to be a really exciting game.
3
the act of saying that you will certainly do something:

Examples:

I'll put my things away tonight - and that's a promise!
I'll try to get back in time, but I'm not making any promises.
4
to do/not do what you said that you would do:

Examples:

If I make a promise, I like to keep it.
5
the idea that someone or something is likely to develop successfully and that people expect this to happen:

Examples:

His English teacher had written on his report that he showed great promise.
As a child I was quite a good dancer, but I didn't fulfil my early promise.
6
to state to someone that you will certainly do something:

Examples:

[ T ] We promised the kids (that) we’d take them to the zoo.
[ + to infinitive ] She promised to be careful.
7
to seem likely:

Examples:

[ + to infinitive ] The new movie promises to be one of the biggest money-makers of all time.
8

Examples:

She shows great promise as a fiction writer.
9
a statement that you will certainly do something:

Examples:

I’ll try to get back in time, but I’m not making any promises.
He broke his promise to (= said he would but did not) give his art collection to the county museum.

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