swear

Everyday

1. To swear is to use rude or bad words. tree →
2. To swear is also to make a serious promise or say something is really true. tree →
3. To swear someone in is to make them promise to do a job honestly, like a judge or president. tree →

In the lessons

In school rules and manners lessons, swearing (bad language) is not allowed and can upset people. In law and history, people «swear an oath» in court to tell the truth, and leaders are «sworn in». In stories, characters «swear» loyalty or «swear revenge». Phrases: «swear words», «swear to tell the truth», «I swear», «sworn enemies».

Examples

• Please don't swear in class. tree →
• He swore he had not eaten the last biscuit. tree →
• I swear I will help you tomorrow. tree →
• The witness swore to tell the truth. tree →
• The new mayor was sworn in today. tree →
• The knights swore to protect the king. tree →
• Some films have swear words in them. tree →
• The two cats are sworn enemies. tree →
• “I swear to you I did not do it!” tree →

Note

Irregular verb: swear, swore, sworn (not «sweared»). «Swear words» and «swearing» mean rude language. «Swear» meaning promise is serious and formal. Do not confuse with «sweat» (to perspire).

In Jewish tradition

An oath in God's name was very serious. Abraham, Jacob and others swore to keep promises, and God is said to swear to David. The prophets warn against swearing falsely, even while saying "as the LORD liveth."

Interpretation. Tradition teaches that a vow or oath must be kept and that God's name must never be used falsely. One of the Ten Commandments forbids taking it in vain. God's oath to David is read as a firm promise of his royal line.

Examples

• And Abraham said: 'I will swear.' (Torah GEN.21.24, JPS 1917) tree →
• And he said: 'Swear unto me.' And he swore unto him. (Torah GEN.47.31, JPS 1917) tree →
• And Pharaoh said: 'Go up, and bury thy father, according as he made thee swear.' (Torah GEN.50.6, JPS 1917) tree →
• And though they say: 'As the LORD liveth', surely they swear falsely. (Prophets JER.5.2, JPS 1917) tree →
• Where are Thy former mercies, O Lord, which Thou didst swear unto David in Thy faithfulness? (Writings PSA.89.50, JPS 1917) tree →
• Swearing and lying, and killing, and stealing, and committing adultery! they break all bounds, and blood toucheth blood. (Prophets HOS.4.2, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Irregular verb: swear, swore, sworn (not «sweared»). «Swear words» and «swearing» mean rude language. «Swear» meaning promise is serious and formal. Do not confuse with «sweat» (to perspire).