Noun | 1. | ![]() |
2. | promise - grounds for feeling hopeful about the future; "there is little or no promise that he will recover" Synonyms: hope | |
Verb | 1. | promise - make a promise or commitment Synonyms: assure |
2. | promise - promise to undertake or give; "I promise you my best effort" | |
3. | promise - make a prediction about; tell in advance; "Call the outcome of an election" | |
4. | promise - give grounds for expectations; "The new results were promising"; "The results promised fame and glory" |
PROMISE, contr. An engagement by which the promisor contracts towards
another to perform or do something to the advantage of the latter.
2. When a promise is reduced to the form of a written agreement under
seal, it is called a covenant.
3. In order to be binding on the promisor, the promise must be made
upon a sufficient consideration -- when made without consideration, however,
it may be binding in foro conscientice, it is not obligatory in law, being
nudum pactum. Rutherf. Inst. 85; 18 Eng. C. L. Rep. 180, note a; Merl. Rep.
h.t.
4. When a promise is made, all that is said at the time, in relation to
it, must be considered; if, therefore, a man promise to pay all he owes,
accompanied by a denial that he owes anything, no action will lie to enforce
such a promise. 15 Wend. 187.
5. And when the promise is conditional, the condition must be performed
before it becomes of binding force. 7 John. 36. Vide Condition. Promises are
express or implied. Vide Undertaking, and 5 East, 17 2 Leon. 224, 5; 4 B. &
A. 595.