Word
oath
US/ˈoʊθ/
UK/ˈəʊθ/
Definitions
01a formal promise
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Law Formal
n. a serious promise to tell the truth or do a job honestly, often made in public or in court.
n. a solemn attestation of truth or a pledge of future conduct, typically involving a formal ceremony or legal setting.
“The witness had to take an oath to tell the whole truth before the trial started.”
“Before assuming his duties, the newly elected official took a formal oath of office, swearing to uphold the constitution and serve the public interest.”
Synonyms
02a swear word
C2 · Proficiency Countable noun Literary · Archaic
n. a rude or offensive word used when someone is angry.
n. a profane or offensive expression; a curse word used to express strong emotion.
“He let out a loud oath when he accidentally dropped the heavy box on his foot.”
“The sailor muttered a string of angry oaths under his breath as the storm battered the ship's hull.”
Usage
In modern English, 'curse' or 'swear word' is much more common than 'oath' for this meaning.
Teaching tip
This sense is largely literary or archaic; modern speakers rarely use 'oath' to mean a swear word in everyday conversation.
Real-World Examples
“Under the image, Javier Negre, a rightwing Spanish journalist, commented: “Here is a Somali Muslim woman taking her oath of office on the Qur’an in the English parliament.” Etymology
From Middle English ooth, oth, ath, from Old English āþ (“oath”), from Proto-West Germanic aiþ (“oath”), from Proto-Germanic aiþaz (“oath”). Cognate with Scots aith, athe (“oath”), North Frisian ith, iss (“oath”), Saterland Frisian Eed (“oath”), West Frisian eed (“oath”), Dutch eed (“oath”), German Eid (“oath”), Swedish ed (“oath”), Icelandic eið (“oath”), Latin ūtor (“make use of, employ, avail”, verb), Old Irish óeth (“oath”).
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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