Promise Meaning
Promise Definition & Usage
A declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.
Examples
- "He made a promise to visit her every week."
- "The company's promise to reduce prices was well received by customers."
- "She broke her promise to help him move."
- "I kept my promise to return the book on time."
- "The politician's promise to improve healthcare was a major part of his campaign."
To commit oneself to do or not to do something; to give assurance or guarantee.
Examples
- "I promise to finish the project by tomorrow."
- "He promised he would help with the preparations."
- "They promised to call once they arrived."
- "She promised to keep the secret no matter what."
- "I promise I will never forget your kindness."
An indication of future success or potential, often used in a hopeful or encouraging context.
Examples
- "The team's performance showed promise for the upcoming season."
- "She has a lot of promise as a young artist."
- "This new technology holds great promise for future innovation."
- "The project has shown real promise, and we're optimistic about its outcomes."
- "His work ethic gives promise of a successful career."
Cultural Context
The concept of promise has deep roots in human culture and society, often tied to notions of trust, responsibility, and social contracts. In many cultures, making a promise is seen as a moral or ethical obligation. Breaking a promise, conversely, can lead to significant social and personal consequences.
The Promise
Story
The Promise
In the small village of Edenbrook, there was a tradition that every person, at some point in their life, would make a promise to someone they cared about. It was a symbol of commitment, a pledge to be there for one another no matter what. For young Clara, her promise was to her grandfather, who had raised her after the death of her parents. On his deathbed, he made her promise that she would take care of the farm and continue the legacy he had built. She swore she would never abandon the land, and that promise shaped her life. Years later, when Clara's best friend, Adam, moved away to the city, she promised to keep in touch no matter how busy their lives became. As the years passed, the letters became less frequent, and eventually, Adam stopped writing altogether. Yet, Clara never stopped believing in their bond, and she kept her promise. One winter, Clara received an unexpected letter. It was from Adam, who had gone through hardships in the city and was now returning to Edenbrook. In his letter, he said that the promise they had made years ago was the one thing that had kept him going. He had faced so many challenges, but the thought of her keeping her word to him gave him strength. Clara waited at the station, heart pounding, hoping that her promise would finally be fulfilled. As the train pulled in, she saw him. Adam was older, thinner, but still the same person she had known. They embraced, and Clara whispered, 'I kept my promise.' The promise had meant more than just words; it had been a lifeline, a bond that had connected them even through the most difficult times. The story of Clara and Adam shows the depth of what a promise can mean. It’s not always about guarantees or contracts. Sometimes, it’s about the faith that keeps two people connected across time and space.
Related Words
