Word
promised
US/ˈpɹɑməst/
UK/pɹˈɒmɪsd/
Definitions
01past action of promising
A2 · Elementary
v. used to say that you told someone you would definitely do or give something.
v. the past tense of 'promise', indicating a past commitment to a future action or state.
“He promised to call me after work, but he must have forgotten.”
“The administration promised a full investigation into the matter, yet several months have passed without a formal report being issued to the public.”
Usage
Often followed by an infinitive ('to do') or a 'that' clause.
Synonyms
02expected or predicted
B2 · Upper Intermediate
adj. something that people said would happen and is now expected.
adj. denoting something that has been predicted or anticipated based on prior assurance or evidence.
“The promised rain finally arrived late in the afternoon.”
“Investors are still waiting for the promised returns on their initial capital, which the company suggested would manifest by the third quarter.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03committed to a future role
C1 · Advanced Literary · Archaic
adj. having a serious agreement to do something in the future, like getting married.
adj. under a formal or serious obligation to a future commitment, such as a marriage or a specific career path.
“In the old story, the princess was promised to a prince from a far country.”
“Historically, the eldest daughter was often promised to a neighbouring family to secure a political alliance between the two territories.”
Teaching tip
This sense is mostly found in historical novels or traditional stories; modern speakers usually use 'engaged' for marriage.
Antonyms
Idioms
01. Promised Land
- 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.A2 KeyIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.3.0–4.0TOEFL 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: 2.0–2.524–43TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.225–549
- Frequency
- Common
- Level
- A2 · Elementary
- Updated
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