Words / B2

VOW/vaʊ/

A vow is a serious promise, especially a formal or public one: a campaign vow; marriage vows. Promise is everyday; oath is legal or ceremonial. A campaign vow is not a funded policy. As a verb: vow to + verb. Mix-up: vowel is a, e, i, o, u (already in the dictionary); wow is informal surprise. Do not use vow for a casual “I’ll try”.

Meaning

A serious promise, especially a formal or public one.

Examples

• “A campaign vow is not a funded policy until it is in the manifesto costings.”
• “She vowed to resit in November, which is the verb sense.”

Good to know

make / break a vow; vow to + verb. Everyday: promise. Legal: oath. Trap: vowel / wow. Politics, RS, and news. A solemn promise, not a wish.

Near in meaning

promise

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