The word "broken promise" is spelled differently from how it sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word is spelled /ˈbroʊkən ˈprɑməs/. The "o" in "broken" is pronounced as a long "o" sound while the "e" is silent. The "o" in "promise" is also pronounced as a long "o" sound, while the "e" is pronounced as a schwa sound. Despite the slight differences in pronunciation, the spelling of "broken promise" remains consistent and predictable, making it easier to communicate in written form.
The term "broken promise" refers to a breach or failure to fulfill a commitment, assurance, or pledge made to another individual or party. It encompasses a situation where someone breaks their word, fails to deliver on their promise, or does not honor the agreement they had previously made.
A broken promise can occur in various contexts, such as personal relationships, business arrangements, or political commitments. It implies a violation of trust and can lead to disappointment, frustration, and feelings of betrayal on the part of the person who was promised something.
The act of a broken promise involves the intentional or unintentional failure to meet one's obligations. This can occur due to a change in circumstances, genuine inability to follow through, or a lack of intention to carry out the promise from the beginning. Regardless of the reason, a broken promise often leads to negative consequences and damages relationships, as it erodes mutual trust and reliability.
A broken promise can have emotional, psychological, and practical implications. It can cause hurt and resentment, impacting the person's faith in others and making future commitments challenging. In more severe cases, legal ramifications may be involved if the broken promise pertains to a binding contract or agreement.
To prevent broken promises, it is vital to communicate clearly, manage expectations, and reevaluate commitments realistically. A commitment made should be seen as a solemn duty to fulfill, as breaking promises can strain relationships and harm one's reputation.
The etymology of the term "broken promise" can be understood by analyzing the origins of its constituent parts:
1. Broken: The word "broken" comes from the Old English verb "brecan" which means "to break, shatter, rupture". This verb has Germanic roots and is related to similar words in other Germanic languages such as Old High German "brehhan" and Old Norse "brjota".
2. Promise: The term "promise" comes from the Latin noun "promissum", which is derived from the verb "promittere", meaning "to send forth, let go, promise". "Promittere" is a combination of the prefix "pro-" (meaning "forth, before") and "mittere" (meaning "to send"). This Latin term also influenced the Old French word "promesse" before being adopted into English.