What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
serment
Example
Le serment d'allégeance est un engagement solennel envers le pays. [serment: noun]
Example
Il a prêté serment de dire la vérité, toute la vérité et rien que la vérité. [prêter serment: verb]
oath
Example
He took an oath to protect and serve his country. [oath: noun]
Example
I swear on my mother's grave that I am telling the truth. [swear an oath: verb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Oath is more commonly used than serment in everyday English language. Oath is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while serment is less common and primarily used in legal or official contexts in French-speaking countries.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between serment and oath?
While serment is typically associated with a formal and serious tone, oath is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
