B2verb informal 2K

Swear

🇬🇧 UK /["/sweə(r)/","/sweəz/","/swɔː(r)/","/swɔːn/","/ˈsweərɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/swer/","/swerz/","/swɔːr/","/swɔːrn/","/ˈswerɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Swear

to use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry

In simple words: To use rude or offensive words.

Swear in a sentence

• I swear to tell the truth in my testimony.
• He always swears when he gets frustrated with technology.
• They swear allegiance to the flag every morning at school.
• Make sure you don't swear in front of the children.
• I swear I left my keys on the table, but now they're gone.
• He swore he would never come back after that fight.
• She swears like a sailor during the game.

How to use Swear

Used in informal settings to express anger or frustration. Often considered inappropriate in formal contexts. Be cautious of the audience and setting before using.

Grammar pattern

swear + at + object

Memory hint

Sounds like 'swear' — imagine someone glaring and saying a bad word.

Related words

Collocations with Swear

• loudly
• quietly
• silently
• hear somebody
• at
• solemnly
• on oath
• under oath
• be prepared to
• make somebody
• by
• on
• to
• be sworn into office
• swear somebody to secrecy
• swear somebody to silence
• solemnly
• on oath
• under oath
• be prepared to
• make somebody
• by
• on
• to
• be sworn into office
• swear somebody to secrecy
• swear somebody to silence
• solemnly
• on oath
• under oath
• be prepared to
• make somebody
• by
• on
• to
• be sworn into office
• swear somebody to secrecy
• swear somebody to silence
• solemnly
• on oath
• under oath
• be prepared to
• make somebody
• by
• on
• to
• be sworn into office
• swear somebody to secrecy
• swear somebody to silence

Synonyms for Swear

• vow

Opposites of Swear

• praise
• compliment

Common mistakes with Swear

• Confusing 'swear' with 'promise' — they have different meanings.
• Using it in formal writing where it's not acceptable.
• Using 'swear to' instead of 'swear at' when expressing anger.

Frequently asked questions about Swear

What does Swear mean?

To use rude or offensive words.

What is the definition of Swear?

to use rude or offensive language, usually because you are angry

How do you use Swear in a sentence?

I swear to tell the truth in my testimony.

Can you give another example of Swear?

He always swears when he gets frustrated with technology.

What are synonyms for Swear?

Common alternatives include vow.

What is the opposite of Swear?

Opposite meanings include praise, compliment.

What words go with Swear?

It commonly pairs with loudly, quietly, silently, hear somebody, at, solemnly, on oath, under oath, be prepared to, make somebody, by, on, to, be sworn into office, swear somebody to secrecy, swear somebody to silence, solemnly, on oath, under oath, be prepared to, make somebody, by, on, to, be sworn into office, swear somebody to secrecy, swear somebody to silence, solemnly, on oath, under oath, be prepared to, make somebody, by, on, to, be sworn into office, swear somebody to secrecy, swear somebody to silence, solemnly, on oath, under oath, be prepared to, make somebody, by, on, to, be sworn into office, swear somebody to secrecy, swear somebody to silence.

What are common mistakes when using Swear?

Confusing 'swear' with 'promise' — they have different meanings. Using it in formal writing where it's not acceptable. Using 'swear to' instead of 'swear at' when expressing anger.

How do you pronounce Swear?

US: /["/swer/","/swerz/","/swɔːr/","/swɔːrn/","/ˈswerɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/sweə(r)/","/sweəz/","/swɔː(r)/","/swɔːn/","/ˈsweərɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Swear formal or informal?

"Swear" is informal, so it fits casual conversation with friends and family.

When should I use Swear?

Used in informal settings to express anger or frustration. Often considered inappropriate in formal contexts. Be cautious of the audience and setting before using.

What CEFR level is Swear?

"Swear" is at B2 level on the CEFR scale.