Word: vows (noun, plural)

Associations

"Vows" are serious promises or commitments, often made in important situations. People usually make vows during weddings, religious ceremonies, or when they promise to do something very important.

Examples:

• Wedding vows. These are promises that two people make to each other during a marriage ceremony, like "I promise to love and support you."
• Taking vows as a monk or nun. This means promising to live a certain way, such as being peaceful or helping others.
• Making vows to improve yourself, like promising to study harder or be kinder.

Synonym: "promises." The main difference is that "vows" are usually more formal, serious, and often public, while "promises" can be casual or private.

Substitution

You can replace "vows" with:

• promises — less formal, used in everyday situations.
• pledges — similar to vows, but often used in formal or official settings.
• oaths — usually more serious or legal promises, sometimes with a formal ceremony.

Using "promises" instead of "vows" might make the meaning less serious. Using "oaths" can add a sense of legal or official importance.

Deconstruction

The word "vow" comes from Old French "vou," from Latin "votum," meaning a solemn promise or wish.

• Root: "vow" means a solemn promise.
• No prefix or suffix here, but the plural form "vows" means more than one promise.

Inquiry

• Can you think of a time when you made a serious promise or vow? What was it about?
• Why do you think vows are important in weddings or ceremonies?
• How do vows differ from everyday promises in your culture or language?