Promise vs. Commitment: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Harlon Moss || Updated on November 15, 2023
A promise is an assurance given verbally or in writing, while a commitment is an obligation or dedication to a cause or action.
Key Differences
A promise is often a verbal or written assurance to perform or refrain from an action. It’s a declaration that one will do something or ensure something happens. Promises are typically personal, directed towards another individual, and can be flexible or conditional, sometimes based on the promisor's ability to deliver.
Commitment, however, denotes a deeper level of engagement or obligation. It usually involves a plan or set of actions and reflects a person’s dedication to a cause, activity, or relationship. Commitments are seen as stronger than promises due to the level of dedication and the often formal or long-term intent behind them.
When someone makes a promise, they are signaling their good intentions to keep their word. The focus is on the trust the promisor wants the promisee to have in them. Promises can be binding but are often seen as less formal than commitments and can be made spontaneously.
In contrast, a commitment is typically associated with sustained efforts and a sense of responsibility. It may require a series of promises to fulfill a commitment. Commitments are also less likely to be made on the spur of the moment and often involve a plan or strategy to guide the committed action.
Promises can be broken, sometimes leading to disappointment or a loss of trust. The breaking of a promise is usually taken seriously but can be forgiven depending on the circumstances. Commitments, however, when broken, can have more serious repercussions due to the higher level of expectation and trust involved, potentially leading to significant relational or professional consequences.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
An assurance given
An obligation undertaken
Nature
Often conditional
Involves dedication
Formality
Less formal
More formal
Duration
Can be short-term
Often long-term
Consequences of Breaking
Can lead to disappointment
Can have serious repercussions
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Promise and Commitment Definitions
Promise
A promise is an assurance that something will happen or that something is true.
He gave his promise that the work would be done by the deadline.
Commitment
Commitment refers to the state or quality of being dedicated to a cause or activity.
Her commitment to her education was evident in her perfect attendance.
Promise
A promise can be a sign of future excellence or achievement.
The young athlete showed great promise in her early competitions.
Commitment
A commitment is an engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.
They have a strong commitment to providing excellent customer service.
Promise
A promise is a declaration that one will do something.
She made a promise to meet at noon.
Commitment
Commitment is also the act of committing, or entrusting something to someone.
The commitment of the team's trust in their coach led to a successful season.
Promise
A promise can be an indication of future success or improvement.
The clear skies hold the promise of a sunny day.
Commitment
Financially, a commitment is a pledge or firm agreement to expend funds or resources.
The city made a financial commitment to improve the public parks.
Promise
In law, a promise can be a formal undertaking to do or not do something.
The company's promise of a refund is stated in the warranty.
Commitment
In relationships, commitment denotes loyalty and the willingness to work through problems.
Their commitment to each other was tested through difficult times.
Promise
A declaration assuring that one will or will not do something; a vow.
Commitment
The act of referring a legislative bill to committee.
Promise
Something promised.
Commitment
Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
Promise
Indication of something favorable to come; expectation
A promise of spring in the air.
Commitment
A court order authorizing consignment to a prison.
Promise
Indication of future excellence or success
A player of great promise.
Commitment
A pledge or obligation, as to follow a certain course of action
A public official's commitment to uphold the Constitution.
Promise
To commit oneself by a promise to do or give; pledge
Left but promised to return.
Commitment
Something pledged, especially an engagement by contract involving financial obligation.
Promise
To afford a basis for expecting
Thunderclouds that promise rain.
Commitment
The state of being emotionally or intellectually devoted, as to a belief, a course of action, or another person
A profound commitment to the family.
Promise
To make a declaration assuring that something will or will not be done.
Commitment
The act or an instance of committing, putting in charge, keeping, or trust, especially:
Promise
To afford a basis for expectation
An enterprise that promises well.
Commitment
The act of sending a legislative bill to committee for review.
Promise
(countable) an oath or affirmation; a vow
If I make a promise, I always stick to it;
He broke his promise
Commitment
Official consignment sending a person to prison or a mental health institution.
Promise
(countable) A transaction between two persons whereby the first person undertakes in the future to render some service or gift to the second person or devotes something valuable now and here to his use.
Commitment
Promise or agreement to do something in the future, especially:
Promise
(uncountable) Reason to expect improvement or success; potential.
She shows great promise as an actress.
Commitment
Act of assuming a financial obligation at a future date.
Promise
A placeholder object representing the eventual result of an asynchronous operation.
Commitment
Being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons.
Promise
Bestowal or fulfillment of what is promised
Commitment
The trait of sincerity and focused purpose.
Promise
(ambitransitive) To commit to (some action or outcome), or to assure (a person) of such commitment; to make an oath or vow.
If you promise not to tell anyone, I will let you have this cake for free.
She promised to never return to this town again.
He promised me a big kiss if I would drive him to the airport.
I can't promise success, but I'll do the best I can.
Commitment
Perpetration as in a crime or mistake.
Promise
(intransitive) To give grounds for expectation, especially of something good.
The clouds promise rain.
Commitment
State of being pledged or engaged.
Promise
In general, a declaration, written or verbal, made by one person to another, which binds the person who makes it to do, or to forbear to do, a specified act; a declaration which gives to the person to whom it is made a right to expect or to claim the performance or forbearance of a specified act.
For if the inheritance be of the law, it is no more of promise: but God gave it to Abraham by promise.
Commitment
The act of being locked away, such as in an institution for the mentally ill or in jail.
Promise
An engagement by one person to another, either in words or in writing, but properly not under seal, for the performance or nonperformance of some particular thing. The word promise is used to denote the mere engagement of a person, without regard to the consideration for it, or the corresponding duty of the party to whom it is made.
Commitment
The act of committing, or putting in charge, keeping, or trust; consignment; esp., the act of committing to prison.
They were glad to compound for his bare commitment to the Tower, whence he was within few days enlarged.
Promise
That which causes hope, expectation, or assurance; especially, that which affords expectation of future distinction; as, a youth of great promise.
My native country was full of youthful promise.
Commitment
A warrant or order for the imprisonment of a person; - more frequently termed a mittimus.
Promise
Bestowal, fulfillment, or grant of what is promised.
He . . . commanded them that they should not depart from Jerusalem, but wait for the promise of the Father.
Commitment
The act of referring or intrusting to a committee for consideration and report; as, the commitment of a petition or a bill.
Promise
To engage to do, give, make, or to refrain from doing, giving, or making, or the like; to covenant; to engage; as, to promise a visit; to promise a cessation of hostilities; to promise the payment of money.
Commitment
A doing, or perpetration, in a bad sense, as of a crime or blunder; commission.
Promise
To afford reason to expect; to cause hope or assurance of; as, the clouds promise rain.
Commitment
The act of pledging or engaging; the act of exposing, endangering, or compromising; also, the state of being pledged or engaged.
Promise
To make declaration of or give assurance of, as some benefit to be conferred; to pledge or engage to bestow; as, the proprietors promised large tracts of land; the city promised a reward.
I dare promise myself you will attest the truth of all I have advanced.
Commitment
The trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose;
A man of energy and commitment
Promise
To give assurance by a promise, or binding declaration.
Commitment
The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
His long commitment to public service
They felt no loyalty to a losing team
Promise
To afford hopes or expectation; to give ground to expect good; rarely, to give reason to expect evil.
Will not the ladies be afeard of the lion?I fear it, I promise you.
Commitment
An engagement by contract involving financial obligation;
His business commitments took him to London
Promise
A verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future
Commitment
A message that makes a pledge
Promise
Grounds for feeling hopeful about the future;
There is little or no promise that he will recover
Commitment
The official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
Promise
Make a promise or commitment
Promise
Promise to undertake or give;
I promise you my best effort
Promise
Make a prediction about; tell in advance;
Call the outcome of an election
Promise
Give grounds for expectations;
The new results were promising
The results promised fame and glory
FAQs
Can promises be broken?
Promises can be broken, which may affect trust and reliability.
What is a promise?
A promise is an assurance that one will or will not do something.
What is a commitment?
A commitment is a dedication to a cause or plan of action.
Are commitments long-term?
Commitments are often long-term and involve a series of actions over time.
Can a promise be informal?
Yes, promises can be informal and made in casual conversation.
How is a promise made?
A promise is made through a statement of assurance either verbally or in writing.
What does breaking a commitment imply?
Breaking a commitment implies a significant deviation from a plan or obligation, often with serious consequences.
How is a commitment established?
A commitment is established through an agreement or action demonstrating dedication.
Is a promise legally binding?
Some promises, especially those formalized in a contract, can be legally binding.
Can a promise be conditional?
Promises can be conditional, depending on certain circumstances for fulfillment.
What's the role of trust in a promise?
Trust is central to a promise; it relies on the belief that the promisor will fulfill their word.
What's the role of responsibility in a commitment?
Responsibility is a key aspect of commitment, as it involves a sense of duty to uphold the commitment.
Are commitments always formal?
Commitments can be both formal and informal, but they usually involve a deeper level of obligation than promises.
Can a commitment be to oneself?
Yes, one can be committed to personal goals or self-improvement.
Do promises require action?
Promises may not require immediate action but imply that action will be taken in the future.
How do societal norms impact promises and commitments?
Societal norms often dictate the seriousness and perception of both promises and commitments.
Can a promise lead to a commitment?
Yes, a promise can lead to a commitment if it involves planning and the intention to undertake an ongoing obligation.
Can one withdraw from a commitment?
Withdrawing from a commitment is possible but may have ethical, relational, or legal ramifications depending on the context.
Is a verbal promise significant?
A verbal promise is significant in many cultures and can hold much personal value.
How are commitments reinforced?
Commitments are reinforced through consistent actions and often legal or formal agreements.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
