Words / C1

OHTH/əʊθ/

An oath is a solemn promise, often legal or ceremonial: take an oath, under oath. Promise is everyday; a pledge (this batch) is serious but not always sworn; a vow is often personal or religious. Do not print an oath on a prospectus as décor.

Meaning

A solemn promise, often legal or formal, to tell the truth or keep a duty.

Examples

• “An oath in the hearing is not a branding line on the prospectus.”
• “Promise is everyday. Under oath means lying is perjury. Oath of office is a public duty. A casual “I swear” is register-wrong in a minute. Swearing in anger is a different sense (oaths as bad language).”

Good to know

A solemn sworn promise. Everyday: promise. Close: pledge (this batch). Legal: under oath. Not prospectus décor.

Near in meaning

promise

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