English Reference
adjective

promised

adj.
US /ˈpɹɑməst/ UK /pɹˈɒmɪsd/ promised

  1. 01 B2 Upper Intermediate

    something that people said would happen and is now expected.

    describing an event or outcome that has been predicted or assured by a previous commitment.

    Simple

    The promised rain finally arrived late in the afternoon.

    In context

    The promised reforms failed to materialise, leading to widespread disappointment among the electorate who had voted for change.

  2. 02 C1 Advanced LiteraryArchaic

    committed to marry someone or to join a specific group.

    under a formal obligation to a future commitment, such as marriage or a religious vocation.

    Simple

    In the old story, the princess was promised to a prince from a far country.

    In context

    The young nobleman was promised to the daughter of a rival house as part of a peace treaty between the two families.

    Teacher's tip

    This sense is mostly found in historical novels or traditional stories; modern speakers use 'engaged' for marriage.

    unattached

Usage promised to end

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Common
Updated