prometer / jurar (voto solemne)
verbCEFR B2
What does “prometer / jurar (voto solemne)” mean in English?
to vow, to pledge
to vow, to pledge (prometer/jurar — make a solemn public commitment)
Example sentences
La candidata prometió ante sus simpatizantes que lucharía hasta el final por defender los derechos laborales.
The candidate vowed before her supporters that she would fight to the end to defend workers' rights.
Al asumir el cargo, juró por la constitución que gobernaría con transparencia y respeto a la ley.
On taking office, he swore by the constitution that he would govern with transparency and respect for the law.
Se hizo una promesa a sí misma: nunca volvería a mentir por miedo a las consecuencias.
She made herself a vow: she would never lie out of fear of the consequences again.
How to use it
Prometer / jurar in the 'vow' sense implies a solemn public commitment. Prometer is the more common form: prometió ante sus seguidores (she vowed before her supporters). Jurar is stronger — it implies swearing, often on something sacred or formal: jurar lealtad (swear loyalty), jurar el cargo (swear into office). At B2, both appear in political speech, pledges, and commitment contexts. The noun for a vow is promesa (promise/pledge) or juramento (oath).
Common mistake
Prometer (promise/vow — lighter, everyday) vs. jurar (swear/vow — more solemn, often formal or religious). 'I promise to come' = Prometo venir. 'I swear to tell the truth' = Juro decir la verdad. In political discourse, prometer is more common for campaign pledges; jurar el cargo is the specific phrase for being sworn into office.