promising
PROM-ih-sing
/ˈprɒmɪsɪŋ/
Showing signs of future success, potential, or good results.
Refers to visible early evidence that points toward a favorable outcome.
The story behind the word. From Latin 'promissum', meaning 'a pledge sent forward into the future.' A promising signal sends a message forward that good things lie ahead.
Word relationships
- encouraging: Encouraging inspires confidence now, while promising specifically points to future potential.
- auspicious: Auspicious is more formal and connotes favorable signs or omens.
- unpromising: Unpromising indicates a lack of potential or signs of failure.
- bleak: Bleak describes a future devoid of hope or warmth.
Commonly confused with
- permissive: Promising means showing good potential; permissive means lenient or allowing freedom.
Word family
- promise (noun/verb): A declaration that one will do something, or potential for success.
- promisingly (adverb): In a manner that gives hope of success.
Collocations
- promising start
- promising student
- highly promising
- promising developments
Idioms & expressions
- shows great promise
- a bright horizon
Example sentences
- "Initial trial results for the new vaccine are highly promising, showing strong immunity responses." Scientific Research
- "The mentor recognized the young artist as one of the most promising talents of her generation." Education & Career
Memory hook
A promising star PROMISES a bright future. Sends good signs into the future.
When not to use
Do not confuse with making a verbal promise; as an adjective, it means full of potential.
Fun facts
- In Victorian English, calling someone 'a promising young man' was the highest praise a mentor could give.
Explore more words
auspicious, nascent, prospect, probing, trustworthy, forthcoming
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