Basic+ Word of the Day: vow

vow (noun, verb) past tense: vowed

"I vow to protect my country."

A vow is a solemn promise or personal commitment.

• The priest took a vow of celibacy.
• Many couples write their own wedding vows.

Vow also means ‘to make a promise or declare solemnly.’

• "I vow that I will never drink alcohol and drive."
• The witness vowed to tell the truth.
• The policeman said, "I vow that I will find the person who hurt you."

Don't confuse it with

bow: to bend the knee or body to show respect. Example: “The duke bowed when he met the king.”

Common uses

take vows: enter a religious order that requires you to follow certain life rules, such as vows of poverty, obedience and celibacy. Example: “Patrick’s older daughter is married and his younger daughter is taking vows.”

In pop culture

Watch this scene from the US TV show Friends where Monica and Chandler recite their wedding vows.

There are other meanings of vow.