pledge
PLEJ
/plɛdʒ/
As a noun: a solemn promise, or a prospective member who has accepted an invitation to join a fraternity or sorority but is not yet fully initiated. As a verb: to commit or vow.
In a Greek life context, describes the probationary candidate learning chapter history before formal initiation.
The story behind the word. Tracing back to Frankish traditions, a pledge was originally a physical security token or hostage handed over to guarantee an agreement. It later came to denote a binding vow and the candidate making that vow.
Word relationships
- promise: Promise is an everyday commitment, whereas pledge carries greater legal, ceremonial, or formal weight.
- breach: Breach means breaking or violating a vow or contract.
Commonly confused with
- bid: A bid is the formal written invitation offered to a prospective member, whereas a pledge is the person who accepts that invitation.
Word family
- pledgee (noun): A person to whom a pledge is made.
Collocations
- pledge class
- pledge allegiance
- make a pledge
- pledge period
Idioms & expressions
- under pledge
Example sentences
- "Every pledge was required to attend weekly educational seminars regarding chapter heritage and campus rules." Recruitment process
- "The alumni group pledged ten thousand dollars to build a new study library on campus." Charitable fundraising
Memory hook
PLEDGE starts like PROMISE; you pledge to uphold honor. Vow or candidate promising to join
When not to use
Do not use to describe an already initiated active member.
Fun facts
- In modern Greek life, many organizations have replaced the term 'pledge class' with 'new member class' to foster inclusion and discourage hazing.
Related words
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