vow
Definitions
A solemn promise or pledge, often religious or ceremonial.
誓言，誓约
To promise solemnly to do something.
发誓，立誓
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedDespite looking like the voc family, vow traces to a different Latin source — vovēre / vōtum "to vow, a vow" — the same root as vote and devout. It is not from vocāre (call). The lookalike spelling has caused centuries of confusion, but a vow is about a sacred promise, not about the voice.
Why It Means This
A genuine etymological trap. The avow / disavow family in this same word group really does come from advocāre (ad- + vocāre) and belongs to the voc root. But the plain noun/verb vow comes from vovēre / vōtum — the source of vote and devout — and is unrelated to "voice/call." They simply collided in spelling and got mixed up over time.
Common Collocations
- 1.marriage vows婚誓
- 2.exchange vows交换誓言
- 3.make a vow立誓
- 4.break a vow违背誓言
- 5.solemn vow庄严誓约
Example Sentences
- 1.
They exchanged vows in front of their families.
- 2.
She made a vow never to give up on her dream.
- 3.
He vowed to repay every penny he owed.