vow

/vau/

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Explanation of the Word "Vow"

Part of Speech: Noun and Verb

Usage:

1. As a Noun:

   • Example: "They took vows of poverty." (This means they promised to live without many possessions.)
   • Advanced Usage: In religious contexts, people often take vows during ceremonies, such as marriage vows, which are promises made between partners.

2. As a Verb:

   • Example: "He vowed never to drink alcohol again." (This means he made a serious promise to himself not to drink alcohol.)
   • Advanced Usage: The verb can also be used in more formal contexts, such as "She vowed to support the charity for the rest of her life."

Word Variants:

• Vowed (past tense): "He vowed to help her."
• Vowing (present participle): "She is vowing to improve her grades."

Different Meanings:

• A vow can also refer to a strong commitment in a non-religious context, such as a personal goal or a promise to a friend.

Synonyms:

• Promise
• Pledge
• Oath
• Commitment

Idioms:

• "Take a vow": To make a serious promise, often in a formal setting.
  • Example: "They took a vow to always support each other."

Phrasal Verbs:

• There are no common phrasal verbs directly related to "vow," but it can be used with prepositions, like "vow to do something."
  • Example: "She vowed to be more responsible."

Summary:

A "vow" is a serious promise, either to yourself or to someone else, often made during important life events.

Academic

Noun

1. a solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner
   • they took vows of poverty

Verb

1. dedicate to a deity by a vow
2. make a vow; promise
   • He vowed never to drink alcohol again

Synonyms

• consecrate