Vows: meaning, definitions and examples

Often used to describe serious promises made in a religious or ceremonial context, such as marriage vows.

• Monks take vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
• The couple took their vows in a beautiful church.

General word for a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen, used in everyday life and relationships.

• She made a promise to call her friend every week.
• He promises to help her with her homework.

Usually refers to obligations or responsibilities that someone is dedicated to; commonly used in professional or personal development contexts.

• Her commitment to the project was evident in her hard work.
• Taking care of a pet is a big commitment.

Often used in public or formal contexts where someone makes a promise, often of support or loyalty, which may have a ceremonial aspect.

• He took a pledge to donate to the charity every year.
• They made a pledge of allegiance to the country.

Used primarily in the context of weddings or deeply personal promises.

• During the ceremony, they exchanged vows to love and cherish each other forever.
• She made vows to herself to always strive for the best.

Used when making a serious promise, often in a legal or official situation, and usually involves a declaration of honesty or allegiance.

• Witnesses are asked to take an oath before testifying in court.
• He took an oath of office to serve the nation faithfully.

Often involves a promise or commitment to support a cause, or a formal declaration of intent.

• She made a pledge to donate a portion of her salary to charity.
• The company made a pledge to reduce its carbon footprint.

Often refers to a formal and binding agreement, especially in a religious or legal context.

• The partners signed a covenant outlining their business arrangement.
• In the Bible, God made a covenant with Abraham.

Used in formal or ceremonial contexts, often related to marriage or religious commitments.

• They exchanged vows in a beautiful ceremony.
• Monks take vows of silence and poverty.

Commonly used in everyday language to assure someone that you will do something or that something will happen.

• I promise to finish my homework by tomorrow.
• She broke her promise to meet me at the café.

Often used in official or public commitments, including political or charitable promises.

• He made a pledge to donate half of his salary to charity.
• The president pledged to support the new policy.

Can be used to emphasize a serious commitment or declaration, often involving an oath. It has a slightly more intense or serious connotation and can also have a negative context when referring to using bad language.

• I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.
• He swore never to lie again.
• She swore at the driver who cut her off.