ˈprɔmɪs n. & v. --n. 1 an
assurance that one will or will
not undertake a
certain action,
behaviour, etc. (a promise of
help;
gave a promise to be generous). 2 a
sign or signs of
future achievements,
good results, etc. (a
writer of
great promise). --v.tr. 1 (usu. foll. by to + infin., or that +
clause;
also absol.)
make (a person) a promise,
esp. to do,
give, or
procure (a thing) (I promise
you a fair
hearing;
they promise not to be
late; promised that he
would be
there;
cannot positively promise). 2 a
afford expectations of (the discussions promise future problems; promises to be a good cook). b (foll. by to + infin.)
seem likely to (is
promising to rain). 3 colloq.
assure,
confirm (I promise you, it will not be easy). 4 (usu. in passive)
archaic betroth (she is promised to another). øthe promised
land 1 Bibl.
Canaan (Gen. 12:7 etc.). 2
any desired
place, esp.
heaven. promise
oneself look forward to (a
pleasant time etc.). promise well (or
ill etc.) hold
out good (or
bad etc.) prospects. øøpromisee n. esp.
Law. promiser n. promisor n. esp. Law. [ME f. L promissum neut.
past part. of promittere put
forth, promise (as
PRO-(1), mittere send)]
