Vows: meaning, definitions and examples

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vows

 

[ vaʊz ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

wedding ceremony

Promises or commitments made by a couple during their wedding ceremony, expressing their love and dedication to each other.

Synonyms

commitments, pledges, promises

Examples of usage

  • The couple exchanged heartfelt vows at the altar.
  • They wrote their own vows to make the ceremony more personal.
  • She teared up while reciting her vows to him.
Context #2 | Noun

religious

Solemn promises made to a deity or higher power, often as part of a religious ceremony or ritual.

Synonyms

covenant, oath, pledge

Examples of usage

  • The monks took vows of silence and poverty.
  • She vowed to devote her life to serving the church.
  • He broke his vows and was excommunicated from the monastery.
Context #3 | Verb

promise

To solemnly promise or commit to something, often with great sincerity or determination.

Synonyms

pledge, promise, swear

Examples of usage

  • They vowed to never give up on each other.
  • She vowed to avenge her father's death.
  • He vowed to fight for justice until his last breath.

Translations

Translations of the word "vows" in other languages:

🇵🇹 votos

🇮🇳 व्रत

🇩🇪 Gelübde

🇮🇩 sumpah

🇺🇦 обітниці

🇵🇱 śluby

🇯🇵 誓い (ちかい)

🇫🇷 vœux

🇪🇸 votos

🇹🇷 yeminler

🇰🇷 맹세

🇸🇦 عهود

🇨🇿 sliby

🇸🇰 sľuby

🇨🇳 誓言 (shìyán)

🇸🇮 zaobljube

🇮🇸 heit

🇰🇿 ант

🇬🇪 ფიცი

🇦🇿 andlar

🇲🇽 votos

Etymology

The word 'vows' originated from the Old French word 'vou' meaning 'solemn promise' or 'pledge'. It has been used in English since the Middle Ages to refer to promises made in various contexts, including marriage ceremonies and religious rituals. The concept of making vows has long been associated with commitment, dedication, and solemnity.

See also: avow, votary, vow.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,515, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.