説明中心

swear

[swɛr]

swear Definition

  • 1to make a solemn statement or promise, often with the implication of a penalty for failure to keep it
  • 2to use offensive language
  • 3to take an oath in a court of law

Using swear: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "swear" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

  • Example

    I swear I will never tell anyone.

  • Example

    He swore at the driver who cut him off.

  • Example

    The witness was asked to swear on the Bible.

  • Example

    She swore allegiance to the queen.

swear Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for swear

Antonyms for swear

Idioms Using swear

  • to use profanity or vulgar language excessively

    Example

    He was so angry that he was swearing like a trooper.

  • swear on a stack of Bibles

    to make a solemn and binding statement, often with the implication of truthfulness

    Example

    I swear on a stack of Bibles that I didn't steal the money.

  • swear up and down

    to assert or declare emphatically and with conviction

    Example

    He swore up and down that he had nothing to do with the crime.

Phrases with swear

  • to have great confidence in or reliance on

    Example

    She swears by her grandmother's home remedies.

  • to administer an oath to someone, especially a public official

    Example

    The judge will swear in the new mayor tomorrow.

  • to make a resolution to abstain from something, especially a bad habit

    Example

    After his heart attack, he swore off cigarettes and alcohol.

Origins of swear

from Old English 'swerian', meaning 'to swear an oath'

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Summary: swear in Brief

The verb 'swear' [swɛr] has three main meanings: making a solemn statement or promise, using offensive language, and taking an oath in a court of law. It can be used in phrases like 'swear by,' expressing confidence, and 'swear off,' indicating a resolution to abstain from something. Idioms like 'swear like a trooper' and 'swear on a stack of Bibles' add color and emphasis to speech.

How do native speakers use this expression?