pledge
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a serious or formal promise to do something, like giving money to a charity.
n.a solemn promise or undertaking to perform a specific action or provide support.
Simple“The politician made a pledge to reduce taxes if his party won the election.”
In context“The charitable foundation received a million-dollar pledge from an anonymous donor, ensuring the project's viability for the next decade.”
UsageOften used with the preposition 'to' followed by an infinitive.
Synonyms - 02 C1 Advanced
n.something valuable that you give to a person or bank to prove you will pay them back.
n.a bailment of personal property as security for some debt or engagement.
Simple“He left his gold watch as a pledge that he would return to pay the bill.”
In context“Under the terms of the agreement, the shares were held as a pledge against the short-term loan provided by the investment bank.”
UsageIn legal contexts, it refers specifically to the physical possession of the asset by the creditor.
Synonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
n.a student who is trying to join a university social group but is not yet a full member.
n.a person who has committed to joining a college fraternity or sorority but has not yet been initiated.
Simple“The new pledges had to spend the weekend cleaning the fraternity house.”
In context“During the recruitment week, each pledge was assigned a mentor to help them navigate the complex social traditions of the organization.”
- 04 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to make a serious or formal promise to give or do something.
v.to commit oneself by a solemn promise; to give as a guarantee.
Simple“Many countries have pledged to protect the environment by reducing carbon emissions.”
In context“The executive board pledged their full support to the restructuring plan, despite the initial concerns raised by the shareholders.”
UsageThe verb is transitive and often takes a direct object or a 'to' infinitive.
- 05 C1 Advanced
v.to give something valuable to a lender as a guarantee that you will pay them back.
v.to deposit an object or asset as security for a loan or the fulfilment of an obligation.
Simple“The family had to pledge their property to secure the emergency loan.”
In context“The borrower was required to pledge liquid assets of equivalent value before the credit facility could be extended.”
Synonymspawncollateralize
“The military has ruled the country since a 2021 coup, pledging to restore order and unite the country.”
“One major think tank recently warned that he will have to raise taxes or cut spending to meet Burnham's pledges on defence and the cost of living.”
From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō (“to pledge”), from Frankish *plehan (“to pledge; to support; to guarantee”). Akin to Old High German pflegan (“to take care of, be accustomed to”), Old Saxon plegan (“to vouch for”), Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.