Promising

Definition

Promising refers to showing signs of future success or potential.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb (present participle of "promise")

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɑmɪsɪŋ/
• Respelling: PRAH-mi-sing (with "PRAH" as in "cot," "mi" as in "miss," and "sing" as in "singing")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/
• Respelling: PROM-i-sing (with "PROM" as in "cot," "i" as in "miss," and "sing" as in "singing")

In both dialects, "promising" is pronounced with the stress on the first syllable. The American pronunciation uses a slightly more open 'ah' sound in "PRAH," whereas the British pronunciation uses a more rounded 'o' sound in "PROM." Both emphasize the first syllable clearly.

Etymology

Derived from the verb "promise", which originates from the Latin word "promissum", meaning "a promise".

Derivatives

• Promisingly
• Promise
• Promiser
• Promised
• Unpromising

Synonyms

• Encouraging
• Hopeful
• Auspicious

Antonyms

• Unpromising
• Discouraging
• Bleak

Usage

"Promising" can be used to describe anything that displays potential or indicates a favorable outcome, such as a "promising candidate" for a job or a "promising start" to an event.

Related Terms

• Commitment
• Assurance
• Vow

Detailed Definition

Adjective

• Showing Potential: Indicative of future success or full of potential.
• Example: She's a promising young artist with a bright future ahead.

• Giving Hope: Suggesting a positive and successful future.
• Example: The weather looks promising for our picnic tomorrow.

Verb

• Present Participle of "Promise": Making a declaration or assurance that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen.
• Example: He's promising to finish the task by tomorrow.