English Explanatory Dictionary

vow

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. 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.
  2. A declaration or assertion.
  3. A votive offering.
verb
  1. To make a vow; to promise.
  2. To make a vow regarding (something).
  3. To declare publicly that one has made a vow, usually to show one's determination or to announce an act of retaliation.

Pronunciation

/vaʊ/ LL-Q1860 (eng)-Vealhurl-vow.wav En-us-vow.ogg

Word forms

vow vows vowing vowed

Etymology

Inherited from Middle English vowe, voue, that from Old French vut, in turn from Latin vōtum (“a promise, dedication, vow”), from vovēre (“to promise, vow”). Not related to avow. Doublet of vote.

Related words

devote vote votive

Derived words

break-vow solemn vow exchange vows marriage vow renew one's vows take vows vow of celibacy wedding vow
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