promise definition

1. a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
2. grounds for feeling hopeful about the future
• examples: there is little or no promise that he will recover
3. make a promise or commitment
4. promise to undertake or give
• examples: I promise you my best effort
5. give grounds for expectations
• examples: The new results were promising
• examples: The results promised fame and glory