SWEAR Meaning and
Definition
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Swear is a verb that has multiple meanings and applications depending on the context. Generally, it refers to making a solemn declaration, oath, or promise, often invoking a sacred being or object as a witness, to affirm the truth or sincerity of one's words or intentions. This act of swearing could involve using formal or profane language, depending on the situation or personal choice.
In a legal context, to swear also means taking an oath in a court of law, where one pledges to tell the truth, typically with one's hand on a religious book. It is an essential part of the judicial process to ensure the veracity of the statements made under oath.
Additionally, swear can be used to express anger, frustration, or astonishment, often accompanied by the use of offensive or vulgar language. This usage is generally considered impolite and inappropriate in formal or professional settings.
Moreover, swear can mean making an earnest or solemn promise, commitment, or agreement with someone. It can also refer to a superstition or belief, as in "I swear by [something or someone]."
Beyond its verbal form, swear can take the shape of an exclamation or interjection, expressing strong emotions or intentions. Overall, the meaning of swear is inherently tied to the act of making a formal or binding statement with assertions of sincerity, invoking the fear of punishment or divine retribution for untruthfulness.
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To affirm on oath; to appeal solemnly to God for the truth of what is stated; to administer an oath to; to declare a promise upon oath; to give evidence upon oath; to use profane language, or use the name of God irreverently.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SWEAR *
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
Other Common Misspellings for SWEAR
Etymology of SWEAR
The word "swear" comes from the Old English word "swerian" which means "to affirm with an oath" or "to promise solemnly". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "swarōną", and ultimately from the Proto-Indo-European root word *"swer-", meaning "to speak solemnly". The word has been used for centuries to refer to making a solemn or binding statement or to take an oath. Over time, it has also come to encompass the act of using profanity or obscenities in speech.
Idioms with the word SWEAR
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hope/wish/swear to God
The idiom "hope/wish/swear to God" typically refers to a strong emphasis on the sincerity or certainty of a statement being made. It implies a genuine belief, promise, or assurance that what is being said is true or will happen. The phrase often serves as a way to emphasize the importance, truthfulness, or seriousness of the speaker's words.
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swear up and down
The idiom "swear up and down" means to assert or affirm something with great conviction, sincerity, or earnestness. It refers to someone making a solemn declaration or insisting on the truthfulness of their statement, often in the face of doubt or skepticism.
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swear off sth
The idiom "swear off sth" means to make a serious promise to oneself or others that you will stop doing or using something, usually due to a negative experience or realization of its negative effects. It implies a strong determination to avoid or give up a particular habit, behavior, or substance.
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swear by sth
The idiom "swear by sth" is typically used to convey a strong belief or endorsement in something. It means to have full confidence and trust in a particular thing or practice. It suggests that the person firmly believes the thing they are "swearing by" is reliable, effective, or of great value. It is often used when expressing personal experiences or preferences.
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swear sb in
The idiom "swear sb in" refers to the process of officially inducting or administering an oath to someone, particularly in a formal or legal context. It usually involves a ceremony or procedure in which a person takes an oath or makes a solemn promise to fulfill certain duties or responsibilities. This idiom is often used when referring to the induction of individuals into public office or positions of authority, where they are required to take an oath to uphold the law and carry out their duties faithfully.
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swear to sth
The idiom "swear to sth" typically means to assert or promise something with great conviction or certainty. It is often used when someone is making a solemn declaration or giving their word about a specific matter.
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swear by sm or sth
The idiom "swear by (someone or something)" means to have absolute confidence and trust in someone or something, often relying on them or it for success or positive outcomes. It implies that the person or thing being sworn by is seen as reliable, effective, and worthy of belief.
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swear at sm or sth
The idiom "swear at someone or something" means to use offensive or abusive language towards a person or an object in a fit of anger or frustration. It involves using curse words or vulgar language to express one's negative emotions or dissatisfaction.
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swear sth to sm
The idiom "swear something to someone" means to make a solemn and binding promise or oath to someone. It implies a strong commitment or assertion of the truthfulness or genuineness of something made to the person mentioned.
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swear sm to sth
The idiom "swear someone to something" means to bind someone by oath or pledge to fulfill a particular commitment or responsibility. It implies a solemn promise or agreement made by someone to carry out a specific action or adhere to a certain code of conduct. The phrase often involves a sense of obligation and trust.
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swear sm in (as sth)
The idiom "swear someone in (as something)" means to administer an official oath or affirmation to someone, formally or legally appointing them to a particular position or role. It often involves making a solemn promise or commitment to fulfill the duties and responsibilities associated with the designated position.
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swear (up)on sm or sth
To "swear (up)on someone or something" means to make a solemn vow or promise, often in a legal or official context, by invoking the name or significance of a particular person or thing. It implies an assertion of the truthfulness or sincerity of one's statement, as if testifying under oath. The phrase is commonly used to emphasize the seriousness or authenticity of a claim or statement, as if calling upon a higher power or authority for validation.
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swear by
The idiom "swear by" means to have great trust, confidence, or belief in someone or something. It is often used when expressing strong support or endorsement for a particular person, idea, practice, or product.
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swear for
The idiom "swear for" typically means to vouch or guarantee the truth or accuracy of something on behalf of someone else. It involves taking an oath or making a solemn statement in support of another person's claims, actions, or intentions.
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swear in
The idiom "swear in" refers to the act of taking an official oath or affirmation, typically during a formal ceremony, to assume a position of authority or responsibility. This can include swearing in a public official, military personnel, jurors, or witnesses in a legal proceeding. It involves making a solemn promise to uphold the duties and responsibilities associated with the role.
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swear off
The idiom "swear off" means to make a firm decision to give up or quit something, often due to negative experiences or an awareness of its detrimental effects. It implies a strong commitment and determination to abstain from or renounce a particular behavior or habit.
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swear out
"Swear out" is an idiomatic expression that refers to the act of making a formal or written statement under oath or by taking an oath, typically done in a legal or official context. It involves providing a sworn statement, usually in the form of an affidavit or a deposition, to attest to the truthfulness or accuracy of certain information.
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swear on (one's) mother's grave
The idiom "swear on (one's) mother's grave" generally means when someone solemnly promises or asserts the truth of something, emphasizing that they would never lie or break their word, even invoking the memory of their deceased mother as a testament to their sincerity.
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swear sth out against sm
The idiom "swear something out against someone" means to make a formal statement under oath, usually in a court of law, accusing or denouncing someone of a specific offense or wrongdoing. It implies invoking a legal process or taking legal action against someone by providing a sworn statement as evidence.
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swear out against
The idiom "swear out against" typically refers to the act of making a formal accusation or complaint against someone, typically in a legal or official manner. It involves providing sworn testimony or filing an affidavit in which one accuses another person of wrongdoing or criminal activity.
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swear a blue streak
The idiom "swear a blue streak" means to use a continuous stream of profanity or vulgar language.
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swear black is white
The idiom "swear black is white" means to stubbornly or dishonestly assert that something false is true. It refers to someone's insistence on lying or distorting the truth, even when it is clearly contradictory or absurd.
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swear like a trooper
The idiom "swear like a trooper" refers to someone who uses profanity or offensive language frequently and with intensity. The phrase originates from military slang, where soldiers (troopers) are known to have a reputation for using strong language.
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swear on a stack of Bibles
The idiom "swear on a stack of Bibles" refers to making an oath or declaration, often in a legal context, while emphasizing its sincerity and truthfulness. It implies that the person is making their statement with the utmost honesty, as though they were swearing on a pile of sacred religious texts.
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swear blind
The idiom "swear blind" means to make an emphatic and unwavering assertion or claim, often with great conviction and certainty, even though there may be doubts, evidence, or contrary opinions suggesting otherwise.
Similar spelling words for SWEAR
Conjugate verb Swear
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sworn
you
would have sworn
he/she/it
would have sworn
we
would have sworn
they
would have sworn
I
would have swear
you
would have swear
he/she/it
would have swear
we
would have swear
they
would have swear
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been swearing
you
would have been swearing
he/she/it
would have been swearing
we
would have been swearing
they
would have been swearing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would swear
you
would swear
he/she/it
would swear
we
would swear
they
would swear
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be swearing
you
would be swearing
he/she/it
would be swearing
we
would be swearing
they
would be swearing
FUTURE
I
will swear
you
will swear
he/she/it
will swear
we
will swear
they
will swear
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be swearing
you
will be swearing
he/she/it
will be swearing
we
will be swearing
they
will be swearing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have sworn
you
will have sworn
he/she/it
will have sworn
we
will have sworn
they
will have sworn
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been swearing
you
will have been swearing
he/she/it
will have been swearing
we
will have been swearing
they
will have been swearing
IMPERATIVE
you
swear
we
let´s swear
to swear
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was swearing
you
were swearing
he/she/it
was swearing
we
were swearing
they
were swearing
PAST PARTICIPLE
sworn
PAST PERFECT
I
had sworn
you
had sworn
he/she/it
had sworn
we
had sworn
they
had sworn
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been swearing
you
had been swearing
he/she/it
had been swearing
we
had been swearing
they
had been swearing
PRESENT
I
swear
you
swear
he/she/it
swears
we
swear
they
swear
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am swearing
you
are swearing
he/she/it
is swearing
we
are swearing
they
are swearing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
swearing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have sworn
you
have sworn
he/she/it
has sworn
we
have sworn
they
have sworn
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been swearing
you
have been swearing
he/she/it
has been swearing
we
have been swearing
they
have been swearing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
swear
SIMPLE PAST
I
swore
you
swore
he/she/it
swore
we
swore
they
swore
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