promissory

[ prom-uh-sawr-ee, -sohr-ee ]

adjective

1. containing or implying a promise.
2. of the nature of a promise.
3. Insurance. of or noting agreements or representations stipulating what is required to take place after the issuance of a policy.

promissory

/ ˈprɒmɪsərɪ /

adjective

1. containing, relating to, or having the nature of a promise
2. insurance stipulating how the provisions of an insurance contract will be fulfilled after it has been signed

Other Words From

• promis·sori·ly adverb
• non·promis·sory adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of promissory¹

From the Medieval Latin word prōmissōrius, dating back to 1640–50. See promise, -tory ¹

Example Sentences

We often think of the Fifteenth Amendment as a promissory note on racial equality, that had to wait to be honored until the Civil Rights victories of the 1960s.

From Time

When the oath usually represented as promissory is sworn, a covenant with God is thereby made.

From Project Gutenberg

Evidence has been given, that the latter kind of oaths, viewed as promissory, brings under an engagement to God.

From Project Gutenberg

An unpaid promissory note is an executory contract, when paid it becomes an executed one.

From Project Gutenberg

The banks do not pry into his moral character: they are satisfied that he meets his overdrafts and promissory notes punctually.

From Project Gutenberg

Six of those last-named little promissory notes, all due on the same day, Ben, and all intrusted to me!'

From Project Gutenberg