vowed
vowed — verb
- vowedpresent simple I / you / we / they
- voweds3rd person singular
- voweding-ing form
- vowededpast simple
1. to state firmly or promise seriously that you will definitely do something, espe
to state firmly or promise seriously that you will definitely do something, especially something that requires effort, courage, or self-control
Nikhil vowed to quit smoking after his doctor warned him about the health risks.
vow + to-infinitive
The mayor vowed that the new community centre would open before the end of the year.
vow + that-clause
After the earthquake, Erik vowed he would never take clean water for granted again.
The two leaders vowed to work together on climate change despite their political differences.
Paloma quietly vowed that her children would have better opportunities than she had.
文法句型
vow + to-infinitive
vow + that-clause
vow + noun phrase
vow + to do something
用法筆記
Often used in formal speech or in dramatic contexts where the speaker wants to show strong determination. In everyday conversation, 'promise' is more common. 'Vow' is stronger and more solemn.
常見錯誤
2. to commit someone or something to a god or to religious service through a formal
to commit someone or something to a god or to religious service through a formal promise, asking for divine favour or dedicating them to a sacred purpose
In ancient Greece, parents sometimes vowed their daughter to the goddess Artemis for a year of temple service.
vow + object + to + [deity]
Rachel's uncle vowed a silver lamp to the church after his wife recovered from a long illness.
The young monk vowed himself to a lifetime of prayer and service at the monastery.
Marco vowed a portion of his harvest to the temple each year as a sign of gratitude.
- dedicate
broader meaning; can be used for non-religious purposes like dedicating a book or a song
- consecrate
more formal and specifically religious; implies making something holy
- devote
can be used for time and effort; less formal, not necessarily involving a vow
文法句型
vow + noun/pronoun + to + noun
vow + reflexive pronoun + to + noun
用法筆記
Primarily found in historical, religious, or literary contexts. In modern everyday English, the first sense (making a determined promise) is far more common. The object is usually a person, a valuable item, or the speaker's own life or service.
常見錯誤
vowed — noun
1. a formal and sincere promise that you make to yourself, to another person, or to
a formal and sincere promise that you make to yourself, to another person, or to a god, usually with a strong personal determination to keep it
The couple exchanged their wedding vows in a small ceremony by the lake.
collocation: exchange vows
Each athlete made a silent vow to give their best effort in the final race.
make + a vow
Emre broke a lifelong vow of silence when he spoke at his brother's funeral.
Rachel took a vow of loyalty to the organization and has kept it for twenty years.
The knight made a sacred vow to protect the kingdom from all enemies.
文法句型
make + a vow
keep + a vow
break + a vow
take + a vow
用法筆記
Common fixed expressions: 'marriage vows', 'monastic vows', 'a vow of silence', 'a vow of poverty'. When no specific type is mentioned, 'make a vow' implies a strong personal promise. 'Keep a vow' means to do what you promised; 'break a vow' means to fail to do it.