Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to or containing a promise: Describes something that involves, expresses, or constitutes a formal pledge or assurance to do something.
   • Having the nature of a promise: Characterized by being a binding declaration that something will or will not be done.

Usage Examples

• Adjective:
  • His words were promissory, guaranteeing future support for the project.
  • The promissory tone of the agreement made both parties confident in the outcome.

Advanced Usage

• In legal and financial contexts: The term is most commonly used to describe formal, written instruments that contain a binding pledge, most notably a "promissory note."
  • The contract included several promissory clauses that outlined the company's commitments.

Variants and Related Words

• Promise (n/v): The declaration or assurance itself, or the act of making one.
  • He made a promise to return.
• Promissory Note (n): A signed document containing a written promise to pay a stated sum to a specified person or the bearer at a specified date or on demand.
  • He signed a promissory note for the loan.

Synonyms

• Pledging: Engaging or binding by a promise.
• Assuring: Informing positively to give confidence.
• Vowing: Solemnly promising.

Related Phrases

• Promissory estoppel: A legal principle that a promise is enforceable by law when a promisor has made a promise to a promisee who then relies on that promise to their subsequent detriment.
  • The court applied the doctrine of promissory estoppel in the case.

Adjective

1. relating to or having the character of a promise
   • promissory note