Pledge Meaning
/plɛd͡ʒ/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbTo make a solemn promise (to do something).
verbTo deposit something as a security; to pawn.
Sentence Examples
I give my pledge that I will quit smoking.
It was told me under pledge of secrecy.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician made a solemn ____ to cut taxes if elected.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new members were asked to take a solemn ____ to uphold the values of the organization.
Word Origin & History
From Middle English plege, from Anglo-Norman plege, from Old French plege (Modern French pleige) from Medieval Latin plevium, plebium, from plebiō (“to pledge”), from Frankish *plehan (“to pledge; to support; to guarantee”). Akin to Old High German pflegan (“to take care of, be accustomed to”), Old Saxon plegan (“to vouch for”), Old English plēon (“to risk, endanger”). More at plight.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"HARDCASTLE [Taking the cup.] I hope you'll find it to your mind. I have prepared it with my own hands, and I believe you'll own the ingredients are tolerable. Will you be so good as to pledge me, sir? Here, Mr. Marlow, here is to our better acquaintance. [Drinks.]"
— 1773, Oliver Goldsmith, She Stoops to Conquer:
"Reach me my golden cup that stands by thee,
And pledge me in it first for courtesy."
— 1852, Matthew Arnold, Tristram and Iseult:
"Mr. Biden unveiled the pledge at a White House climate summit for world leaders, declaring that the United States is ready to reclaim a leadership role on climate change."
— 2021 April 22, Brad Plumer, Nadja Popovich, “The U.S. Has a New Climate Goal. How Does It Stack Up Globally?”, in The New York Times, →ISSN:
"Iacke Straw. […] I haue his wife and children pledges, for his ſpeedie returne from the King, to whom he is gone with our meſſage.
Tom Miller. Let him take heede hee bring a wiſe anſwere to our worships, or els his pledges goes to the pot."
— 1593, anonymous author, The Life and Death of Iacke Straw […], →OCLC, Act I:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The politician made a solemn ____ to cut taxes if elected.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The new members were asked to take a solemn ____ to uphold the values of the organization.