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How to Say Promise: Pronunciation, Definition

Master the pronunciation, meaning, origin, alternatives and common phrases of promise to boost your vocabulary.

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How to Pronounce Promise

 

How to Pronounce "Promise"

 

  • Syllable Breakdown: The word "promise" has two parts: "prom" and "iss".

  • First Syllable - "prom": Say it like the word "prom" (a school dance). Begin with a clear "pr" sound, then pronounce "om" similar to how you say the word "from" but without the "f".

  • Second Syllable - "iss": This part sounds like the word "is" with a soft "s" sound at the end. Keep it short and light.

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable "prom". Make sure "prom" is a bit louder and clearer, while "iss" is softer and quicker.

  • Blending the Sounds: Start with "prom", pause very briefly, and then add the quick "iss" sound. Practice by saying "PROM-iss" slowly, then gradually speeding up to a natural pace.

  • Practice Tip: Listen to native speakers and mimic their rhythm. You can try saying "I promise" in a sentence to get used to the word in context.

 

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What Does Promise Mean

 

Understanding "Promise"

 

  • Definition: A promise is a clear statement that you will do something in the future. It is when you give your word to someone about an action or event.

  • Meaning in Context: When you promise, you are assuring another person that you intend to fulfill a specific commitment. For example, if you say, "I promise to help you," you are telling them that they can trust you to assist them later.

  • Key Ideas:

    • Commitment: A promise involves a commitment, meaning you plan to do what you said you would do.

    • Trust: Keeping promises builds trust between people. When you fail to keep a promise, trust can be broken.

    • Responsibility: Making a promise means you take responsibility for meeting that promise in the future.

  • Usage: You can use a promise in many everyday situations, like promising to call a friend, to complete a task, or to meet someone at a certain time. It is always linked to the idea that you mean what you say.

  • Example: If someone says, "I promise I will bring your book tomorrow," it means that they are assuring you that they will definitely bring your book the next day. This example helps show how a promise works in everyday life.

 

 

Understanding "Promise"

 

  • Definition: A promise is a clear statement that you will do something in the future. It is when you give your word to someone about an action or event.

  • Meaning in Context: When you promise, you are assuring another person that you intend to fulfill a specific commitment. For example, if you say, "I promise to help you," you are telling them that they can trust you to assist them later.

  • Key Ideas:

    • Commitment: A promise involves a commitment, meaning you plan to do what you said you would do.

    • Trust: Keeping promises builds trust between people. When you fail to keep a promise, trust can be broken.

    • Responsibility: Making a promise means you take responsibility for meeting that promise in the future.

  • Usage: You can use a promise in many everyday situations, like promising to call a friend, to complete a task, or to meet someone at a certain time. It is always linked to the idea that you mean what you say.

  • Example: If someone says, "I promise I will bring your book tomorrow," it means that they are assuring you that they will definitely bring your book the next day. This example helps show how a promise works in everyday life.

 

The Origin of the Word Promise

 

Exploring the Origin of the Word "Promise"

 

  • Old French Influence: The word "promise" comes from the Old French word "promesse".

  • Latin Roots: This Old French term was derived from the Latin word "promissum", which is the past participle of "promittere". The Latin "promittere" combines "pro", meaning "forward", with "mittere", meaning "to send". In a simple sense, it is like sending one's word forward.

  • Historical Meaning: Over time, the word "promise" developed to mean a serious declaration or pledge to do something. It became an important word that expresses trust and commitment.

  • Modern Usage: Today, "promise" is used in everyday language to indicate a firm assurance or commitment. It stands for the idea of giving one's word and being trusted to follow through with an action.

 

 

Exploring the Origin of the Word "Promise"

 

  • Old French Influence: The word "promise" comes from the Old French word "promesse".

  • Latin Roots: This Old French term was derived from the Latin word "promissum", which is the past participle of "promittere". The Latin "promittere" combines "pro", meaning "forward", with "mittere", meaning "to send". In a simple sense, it is like sending one's word forward.

  • Historical Meaning: Over time, the word "promise" developed to mean a serious declaration or pledge to do something. It became an important word that expresses trust and commitment.

  • Modern Usage: Today, "promise" is used in everyday language to indicate a firm assurance or commitment. It stands for the idea of giving one's word and being trusted to follow through with an action.

 

What to Say Instead Promise

Pledge

 

  • Similarity: Refers to a solemn promise, often made in a formal or public setting.

  • Usage: "She made a pledge to support environmental causes throughout her life."

Pledge

 

  • Similarity: Refers to a solemn promise, often made in a formal or public setting.

  • Usage: "She made a pledge to support environmental causes throughout her life."

Assurance

 

  • Similarity: Denotes a promise that provides confidence or certainty, often to reassure someone.

  • Usage: "The manager gave his assurance that the project would be completed on time."

Assurance

 

  • Similarity: Denotes a promise that provides confidence or certainty, often to reassure someone.

  • Usage: "The manager gave his assurance that the project would be completed on time."

Oath

 

  • Similarity: Involves a binding promise, typically invoking a higher power or set of principles.

  • Usage: "Before taking office, the official swore an oath to uphold the constitution."

Oath

 

  • Similarity: Involves a binding promise, typically invoking a higher power or set of principles.

  • Usage: "Before taking office, the official swore an oath to uphold the constitution."

Commitment

 

  • Similarity: Emphasizes a pledge or promise to dedicate oneself to a cause or course of action.

  • Usage: "Her commitment to volunteer work was evident in her long-term involvement with the charity."

Commitment

 

  • Similarity: Emphasizes a pledge or promise to dedicate oneself to a cause or course of action.

  • Usage: "Her commitment to volunteer work was evident in her long-term involvement with the charity."

Guarantee

 

  • Similarity: Suggests a firm promise or assurance, often used in contexts to ensure quality or performance.

  • Usage: "The company offered a money-back guarantee if the product did not meet expectations."

Guarantee

 

  • Similarity: Suggests a firm promise or assurance, often used in contexts to ensure quality or performance.

  • Usage: "The company offered a money-back guarantee if the product did not meet expectations."

Vow

 

  • Similarity: Indicates a serious and often personal promise, usually associated with deep commitment.

  • Usage: "During the ceremony, the couple exchanged vows emphasizing their lifelong love and dedication."

Vow

 

  • Similarity: Indicates a serious and often personal promise, usually associated with deep commitment.

  • Usage: "During the ceremony, the couple exchanged vows emphasizing their lifelong love and dedication."

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Common Phrases and Examples with Promise

1. I promise to help you with your homework.

 

Explanation: The sentence uses "promise" to mean that I give my word to assist you with your homework.

1. I promise to help you with your homework.

 

Explanation: The sentence uses "promise" to mean that I give my word to assist you with your homework.

2. My mother promised to buy me a new book.

 

Explanation: Here, "promised" means that my mother made a commitment to purchase a new book for me.

2. My mother promised to buy me a new book.

 

Explanation: Here, "promised" means that my mother made a commitment to purchase a new book for me.

3. He promised he would be there on time.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, "promised" shows that he gave his word to arrive at the agreed time.

3. He promised he would be there on time.

 

Explanation: In this sentence, "promised" shows that he gave his word to arrive at the agreed time.

4. They promised to meet at the park tomorrow.

 

Explanation: This sentence means that they have agreed to meet at the park the next day.

4. They promised to meet at the park tomorrow.

 

Explanation: This sentence means that they have agreed to meet at the park the next day.

5. I promise to always be your friend.

 

Explanation: "Promise" is used to express a firm commitment to maintain our friendship.

5. I promise to always be your friend.

 

Explanation: "Promise" is used to express a firm commitment to maintain our friendship.

6. She made a promise to take care of her little brother.

 

Explanation: The word "promise" here means she committed herself to look after her little brother.

6. She made a promise to take care of her little brother.

 

Explanation: The word "promise" here means she committed herself to look after her little brother.

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