Words / B2

PROM-is-ing/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/

Promising means showing signs that something or someone will be successful: a promising trial; a promising start. Promise is the verb/noun (already in the dictionary); hopeful is weaker. A promising trial still needs a larger n. Mix-up: promising vs promised (already agreed); premises. Do not write promising for a finished, published success.

Meaning

Showing signs that something or someone will be successful.

Examples

• “A promising trial still needs a larger n, the methods tutor said.”
• “A promising start in the first half still needs a second-half comment, which is the sport sense.”

Good to know

a promising + noun; look promising. Verb/noun: promise. Trap: promised / finished success. Sciences, sport, and news. Early signs, not a guarantee.

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