Promise vs. Vow: Know the Difference
By Shumaila Saeed || Updated on December 25, 2023
A promise is a declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow is a solemn pledge, often with a religious or spiritual significance.
Key Differences
A promise is a commitment or assurance given by one person to another that they will do or refrain from doing something. In contrast, a vow is a more solemn and formal commitment, often made in a religious or ceremonial context, and carries a greater sense of obligation and seriousness.
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Promises are often made in everyday situations and can range from casual to serious commitments. Vows, however, are usually associated with significant life events or spiritual beliefs, such as marriage vows or vows of celibacy taken by clergy.
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The binding nature of a promise can vary, and while breaking a promise can have social consequences, it typically doesn't involve formal penalties. Breaking a vow, on the other hand, is often seen as a more severe transgression, sometimes with religious, moral, or legal implications.
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Promises are generally made between individuals and can be about small or large matters. Vows are often made to a higher power or in the presence of a formal institution, and are associated with long-term commitments and profound responsibilities.
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The language and formality involved in promises and vows also differ. Promises can be made verbally or in writing, often informally. Vows, however, are usually formal declarations, often made publicly and with specific traditional or religious wording.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Less formal, personal commitment
Solemn, often religious or spiritual pledge
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Context
Everyday situations, casual to serious commitments
Significant life events, religious ceremonies
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Consequences of Breaking
Social disapproval, personal guilt
Religious, moral, or legal repercussions
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Duration and Scope
Can be short-term or long-term
Usually long-term and profound
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Formality and Language
Informal, flexible wording
Formal, often with traditional or religious language
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Promise and Vow Definitions
Promise
Promise can refer to a sign that something will happen or be successful.
The sunny morning held the promise of a beautiful day.
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Vow
A vow is a solemn promise, pledge, or personal commitment.
They exchanged vows at their wedding.
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Promise
In a legal context, a promise is a commitment that can be enforceable.
The contract included a promise of timely delivery.
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Vow
Vow also means a dedicated promise implying sacrifice or serious obligation.
She made a vow to dedicate her life to helping others.
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Promise
A promise can be a reason for expecting something.
The forecast gave promise of a clear evening.
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Vow
A vow can be a commitment of loyalty or love.
Their vow of eternal love was made under the stars.
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Promise
A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
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Vow
Vow can refer to a solemn promise made to a deity or in a religious context.
He took a vow of silence for the day.
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Vow
In law, a vow can be a formal declaration or assertion.
The witness made a vow to tell the truth in court.
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Promise
Indication of something favorable to come; expectation
A promise of spring in the air.
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Oct 19, 2023
Vow
An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order
Take the vows of a nun.
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Oct 19, 2023
Promise
Indication of future excellence or success
A player of great promise.
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Promise
To commit oneself by a promise to do or give; pledge
Left but promised to return.
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Vow
To make a pledge or threat to undertake
Vowing revenge on their persecutors.
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Promise
To make a declaration assuring that something will or will not be done.
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Vow
To declare or assert
"Well, I vow it is as fine a boy as ever was seen!" (Henry Fielding).
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Vow
A solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner, especially a promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.
The old hermit, up in the mountains, took a vow of silence.
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Promise
(countable) an oath or affirmation; a vow
If I make a promise, I always stick to it;
He broke his promise
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Promise
(countable) A transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use.
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Promise
(uncountable) Reason to expect improvement or success; potential.
She shows great promise as an actress.
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Promise
A placeholder object representing the eventual result of an asynchronous operation.
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Vow
(transitive) To make a vow regarding (something).
The wronged woman vowed revenge.
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Vow
To declare publicly that one has made a vow, usually to show one's determination or to announce an act of retaliation.
The rebels vowed to continue their fight.
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Promise
(ambitransitive) To commit to (some action or outcome), or to assure (a person) of such commitment; to make an oath or vow.
If you promise not to tell anyone, I will let you have this cake for free.
She promised to never return to this town again.
He promised me a big kiss if I would drive him to the airport.
I can't promise success, but I'll do the best I can.
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Vow
A solemn promise made to God, or to some deity; an act by which one consecrates or devotes himself, absolutely or conditionally, wholly or in part, for a longer or shorter time, to some act, service, or condition; a devotion of one's possessions; as, a baptismal vow; a vow of poverty.
I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow.
I am combined by a sacred vow.
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Promise
(intransitive) To give grounds for expectation, especially of something good.
The clouds promise rain.
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Vow
Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or affection; as, the marriage vow.
Knights of love, who never broke their vow;Firm to their plighted faith.
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Promise
In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
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Vow
To give, consecrate, or dedicate to God, or to some deity, by a solemn promise; to devote; to promise solemnly.
[Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage.
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Promise
An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made.
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Promise
That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise.
My native country was full of youthful promise.
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Vow
To make a vow, or solemn promise.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
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Promise
Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised.
He . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.
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Vow
A solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner;
They took vows of poverty
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Promise
To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money.
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Promise
To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain.
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Promise
To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city promised a reward.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced.
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Promise
To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil.
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?I fear it, I promise you.
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Promise
A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
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Promise
Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future;
There is little or no promise that he will recover
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Promise
Make a prediction about; tell in advance;
Call the outcome of an election
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Promise
Give grounds for expectations;
The new results were promising
The results promised fame and glory
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Promise
A promise is a declaration assuring that someone will or will not do something.
He made a promise to return her book.
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Promise
Promise can also indicate potential or likelihood of future success.
The young athlete showed great promise in her early career.
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Repeatedly Asked Queries
What is a promise?
A promise is an assurance given by someone to do or not do something.
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Do all vows have religious connotations?
While often religious, vows can also be secular, especially in personal commitments.
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What is a vow?
A vow is a solemn commitment, often with a spiritual or religious significance.
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Are vows legally enforceable?
Vows are not typically legally enforceable, but may have moral or religious weight.
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What is the typical context for a vow?
Vows are often made in religious, spiritual, or significant life contexts.
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Can promises be broken?
Yes, promises can be broken, though this may lead to social or personal consequences.
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Can a promise be a vow?
A promise can be a vow if it is solemn and has deep personal significance.
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Can promises be legally binding?
Some promises can be legally binding if formalized in a contract.
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What happens if a vow is broken?
Breaking a vow can have serious moral, religious, or personal repercussions.
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Can organizations make promises?
Yes, organizations can make promises, often in the form of guarantees or commitments.
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Is a wedding vow different from other vows?
Wedding vows are specific to marriage commitments but share the solemnity of other vows.
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How is a promise typically conveyed?
Promises can be made verbally or in writing.
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Can a vow be changed?
Vows are generally considered binding and solemn, so changing them is significant.
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Is a promise to oneself important?
A promise to oneself can be important for personal goals and integrity.
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Do different cultures have unique vows?
Yes, different cultures may have unique vows based on their traditions and beliefs.
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Are vows always spoken?
Vows are usually spoken, often in a formal setting, but can also be written.
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Do vows require witnesses?
Often vows are made in front of witnesses, but this is not always necessary.
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About Author
Written by
Shumaila SaeedShumaila Saeed, an expert content creator with 6 years of experience, specializes in distilling complex topics into easily digestible comparisons, shining a light on the nuances that both inform and educate readers with clarity and accuracy.
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