C1verb formal 3K

Vow

🇬🇧 UK /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/

Meaning of Vow

to make a formal and serious promise to do something or a formal statement that is true

In simple words: A serious promise to do something.

Vow in a sentence

• She vowed never to speak to him again.
• He vowed (that) he had not hurt her.
• They vowed eternal friendship.
• ‘I'll be back,’ she vowed.
• He silently vowed vengeance on them all.
• I vowed never to drink so much again.
• She vowed to herself that she would not show any emotion.

How to use Vow

Use 'vow' when making a serious commitment, often in formal situations like weddings or ceremonies. Avoid in casual conversations.

Grammar pattern

vow + object

Memory hint

Think of 'vow' as ' vow to do something big – like a marriage vow.'

Related words

Collocations with Vow

• quietly
• silently
• to
• vow never to do something
• vow revenge
• vow revenge against somebody

Synonyms for Vow

• promise
• pledge
• commitment
• oath
• swear

Opposites of Vow

• break
• violate

Common mistakes with Vow

• Confused with 'cow' — they sound similar but have different meanings.
• Using in informal contexts — 'vow' is too strong for casual promises.

Frequently asked questions about Vow

What does Vow mean?

A serious promise to do something.

What is the definition of Vow?

to make a formal and serious promise to do something or a formal statement that is true

How do you use Vow in a sentence?

She vowed never to speak to him again.

Can you give another example of Vow?

He vowed (that) he had not hurt her.

What are synonyms for Vow?

Common alternatives include promise, pledge, commitment, oath, swear.

What is the opposite of Vow?

Opposite meanings include break, violate.

What words go with Vow?

It commonly pairs with quietly, silently, to, vow never to do something, vow revenge, vow revenge against somebody.

What are common mistakes when using Vow?

Confused with 'cow' — they sound similar but have different meanings. Using in informal contexts — 'vow' is too strong for casual promises.

How do you pronounce Vow?

US: /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/, UK: /["/vaʊ/","/vaʊz/","/vaʊd/","/ˈvaʊɪŋ/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

Is Vow formal or informal?

"Vow" is formal, so it fits professional, business, or academic conversations.

When should I use Vow?

Use 'vow' when making a serious commitment, often in formal situations like weddings or ceremonies. Avoid in casual conversations.

What CEFR level is Vow?

"Vow" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.