vow

A serious promise, often made in public or as part of a religious ceremony.

• They exchanged vows at their wedding.
• He made a vow to help her.
• She has kept her vow of silence.

How to use it: a vow to do something (He made a vow to protect his family.); a vow of something (The monk took a vow of poverty.)

Similar words: promise, pledge

Common phrases: make a vow, take a vow, wedding vow

To make a serious promise that you will do something.

• I vowed to help.
• They vowed never to leave each other.
• She vows that she will keep trying.

How to use it: vow to do something (We vowed to stay together.); vow that… (He vowed that he would repay the money.)

Similar words: promise, pledge, swear

Common phrases: vow to return, vow never again

To announce publicly that you are determined to do something.

• The leader vowed revenge.
• Officials vowed to rebuild the damaged bridge.
• The workers vowed that their campaign would continue.

How to use it: vow to do something (The mayor vowed to improve local schools.); vow that… (The minister vowed that the investigation would continue.)

Similar words: pledge, declare

Common phrases: vow revenge, vow to fight