n.
- an assurance that one will do something or that something will happen.
▸an indication that something is likely to occur:
the promise of spring.
- potential excellence.
v.
- make a promise.
▸
(be promised)
archaic be pledged to marry.
- give good grounds for expecting.
-
(promise oneself)
firmly intend.
Derivative
Etymology
ME: from L. promissum ‘something promised’, neut. past part. of promittere ‘put forth, promise’ (from pro- ‘forward’ + mittere ‘send’).