The phrase "empty promise" is spelled exactly as it sounds. In IPA phonetic transcription, it would be written as /ˈɛmpti ˈprɑmɪs/. The first syllable "empti" is pronounced with a short "e" sound followed by "m" and "p" sounds. The second syllable "promise" begins with a long "o" sound and is followed by "m," "i," "s," and another short "e" sound. This phrase is used to describe a promise that is not fulfilled or lacks sincerity.
An "empty promise" refers to a statement or assurance made by an individual, typically a person in power or authority, that is devoid of any genuine intention or commitment to fulfill it. It is a deceptive or misleading declaration that offers a false sense of hope or expectation without any true intention of following through or taking concrete actions.
An empty promise often elicits feelings of disappointment, betrayal, and disillusionment in the recipient. It can be presented in various forms, such as guarantees of change, pledges of assistance, or commitments to achieve certain objectives. However, what distinguishes it from a genuine promise is the absence of sincerity, reliability, and actual effort to meet the promised outcome.
Empty promises are generally made to manipulate or appease individuals or groups who may be seeking resolution, aid, or progress. They may be employed in political campaigns, business negotiations, personal relationships, or any situation where someone wishes to secure short-term benefits or gain favor without making a genuine and lasting commitment.
The consequences of empty promises can be detrimental, as they erode trust, create skepticism, and damage relationships. Recognizing an empty promise involves assessing the credibility, consistency, and past actions of the promisor, as well as evaluating the feasibility or likelihood of the commitment being fulfilled.
In summary, an empty promise refers to a deceptive statement or assurance that lacks genuine intent or commitment, created to manipulate or deceive others without any true effort to fulfill the promised outcome.
The etymology of the word "empty promise" starts with the word "empty", which comes from the Old English word "æmettig", meaning "empty, vacant, leisurely". The term "empty" evolved from the Germanic root "*am-", which conveys an idea of "lacking, being without".
On the other hand, the word "promise" derives from the Latin word "promissum", meaning "a promise, a pledge". The Latin term stems from the verb "promittere", which combines "pro-" (forward) and "mittere" (to send), yielding the sense of "sending forth, letting go, promising".
When the words "empty" and "promise" are combined, "empty promise" refers to a pledge or commitment that is devoid of substance or sincerity.