Vows
/vaʊz/
nounverbB2plural (for noun), present tense 3rd person singular (for verb)
Definition
A vow is a strong and serious promise to do something or to behave in a certain way. People often make vows during important ceremonies, like marriage, or when they want to show strong dedication. When used as a verb, to vow means to make this kind of promise.
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See It in Action
A serious promise or commitment (noun)
- •The couple exchanged vows during their wedding ceremony.
- •She made a vow to always tell the truth.
- •Many monks take vows of silence and poverty.
To make a serious promise (verb)
- •He vowed to work harder after failing the exam.
- •They vowed never to give up on their dreams.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "vow" like "promise" (A1 word), but much stronger and more serious—like a promise that is very important and official
- ✓Picture two people at a wedding saying words to each other that mean they will always stay together
- ✓It's the feeling of making a serious decision that you must keep, like a promise that cannot be broken easily
- ✓Sounds like "vows" → imagine a loud "wow!" when someone makes a big, important promise
- ✓In stories, heroes often vow to protect someone or complete a mission, showing strong commitment
- ✓NOT like a casual "promise" (which can be easy to forget), a vow is a deep and formal commitment
- ✓NOT like a "wish" (which is a hope), a vow is an action you plan to do, not just want
- ✓NOT like "threat" (which is a negative promise), a vow is positive and about keeping a good promise
Try Other Words
- •Pledge: a formal promise or commitment (Use when emphasizing a formal or public promise)
- •Commitment: a strong dedication to do something (Use when focusing on the ongoing responsibility after the promise)
- •Oath: a solemn promise, often with a formal or legal meaning (Use in official or legal contexts)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: root "vow" + plural suffix "-s" (for noun) or present tense "-s" (for verb)
- •Etymology: From Old French "vou" and Latin "votum," meaning a solemn promise or wish
- •Historical development: Originally used for religious or serious promises; now common in weddings and formal promises
- •Modern usage: Used for serious promises in personal, religious, or legal contexts; often heard in weddings and ceremonies
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of promises in your life feel like vows rather than simple promises?
•How do vows influence the way people behave in important relationships or jobs?
Fill in the blanks
1.During the wedding, the couple made vows to love and ___ each other forever.
2.When someone vows, they usually feel very ___ about keeping their promise.
3.Vows are different from regular promises because they are more ___ and often made in special ceremonies.
4.To vow means to make a serious promise you plan to ___.
5.People often take vows of silence or poverty in ___ communities.
6.If someone breaks a vow, it usually causes ___ because the promise was very important.
7.Vows are often spoken aloud and ___ in front of others to show commitment.