French word

serment

Pronunciation

IPA/sɛʁmɑ̃/

Meaning

  • masculine nounoath

Example

Il a prêté serment.

He took an oath.

Illustration for serment (oath)

More examples

Elle respecte toujours son serment.

She always keeps her oath.

Core concept

A solemn promise spoken in front of others and tied to duty, office, or truthful testimony.

Common phrases

  • prêter serment

    take an oath

  • témoigner sous serment

    testify under oath

  • respecter son serment

    keep one's oath

Similar words

promesse: A promise to do something, made verbally or in writing.
engagement: A formal undertaking to fulfill a role or responsibility.
parole: A spoken commitment or promise.
vœu: A heartfelt wish or prayer for the future.

Definition in French

Déclaration solennelle par laquelle une personne promet publiquement de remplir une obligation ou de dire la vérité.

Word origin

Serment is an inherited French form from Old French sairement and ultimately from Latin sacramentum, a sacred undertaking.

Usage tips

  • Serment belongs to formal usage, while promesse is usually more natural for an ordinary personal promise.

Other meanings

  • pledgenoun

Word lists with this word