ILLUSORY PROMISE Meaning and
Definition
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An illusory promise refers to a type of statement or commitment that appears to be a formal promise, agreement, or contract, but lacks any true, enforceable obligations. It is deceptive in nature, seeming to promise something but ultimately failing to impose any definite duties or rights upon the parties involved. An illusory promise is essentially an empty, hollow commitment that does not constitute a legally binding agreement.
The illusory promise is characterized by a vague or conditional language that enables the promisor to easily escape performance or breach the promise without consequence. For instance, phrases such as "subject to change," "at the discretion of the promisor," or "unless unforeseen circumstances arise" are often included, making the promise purely illusory.
Essentially, an illusory promise allows the promisor to bind themselves to nothing, providing them with an easy way out if circumstances change or if they merely have a change of heart. Unlike a valid and enforceable agreement, where both parties are legally committed to fulfilling their obligations, an illusory promise allows one party to retract or renege on their commitment without legal consequences.
In legal contexts, illusory promises are usually considered void and unenforceable due to their lack of consideration, which is an essential element for validating and enforcing contracts. Consequently, parties involved in an illusory promise often find themselves without legal recourse if the other party fails to fulfill their ostensible commitment.
Common Misspellings for ILLUSORY PROMISE
- ullusory promise
- jllusory promise
- kllusory promise
- ollusory promise
- 9llusory promise
- 8llusory promise
- iklusory promise
- iplusory promise
- iolusory promise
- ilkusory promise
- ilpusory promise
- ilousory promise
- illysory promise
- illhsory promise
- illjsory promise
- illisory promise
- ill8sory promise
- ill7sory promise
- illuaory promise
- illuzory promise
Etymology of ILLUSORY PROMISE
The etymology of the term "illusory promise" can be broken down as follows:
1. Illusory: The word "illusory" originated from the Latin word "illusorius", which is derived from the verb "illudere", meaning "to mock" or "to make fun of". It entered the English language in the early 17th century and refers to something that is deceptive, misleading, or not based on reality.
2. Promise: The word "promise" has its roots in Latin too. It comes from the noun "promissum", which means a "promise" or "declaration". The Latin word is a derivative of the verb "promittere", where "pro" means "forward" and "mittere" means "to send". In English, "promise" has been used since the 14th century and refers to a commitment or assurance given by one person to another.
