oath
gb/ˈoʊθ/ us/ˈoʊθ/
B1
English
~ 2800
eskü, fogadalom, szitokszó, káromkodás
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
to take an oath to [do something]
The witness took an oath to tell the truth before giving testimony.
A tanú vallomása előtt esküt tett arra, hogy igazat mond.
He swore an oath of loyalty to his country.
Hűségesküt tett a hazájának.
New citizens must take an oath of allegiance.
She broke her oath by revealing confidential information.
The president recited the oath of office during the inauguration.
Learner examples
I took an oath to tell the truth.
Esküt tettem arra, hogy igazat mondok.
He made an oath to help his friend.
Esküt tett, hogy segít a barátjának.
She gave an oath in court.
They swore an oath to serve their country.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'oath' with 'vow' or 'promise'. An oath is usually formal and often legal, while a promise can be casual.
Meaning
formal promise or declaration
Collocations
take an oath
|swear an oath
|oath of office
|oath of allegiance
|solemn oath
Synonyms
pledge (A serious promise, but can be less formal and not necessarily legal.)
|
vow (A strong personal promise, often emotional or religious in nature.)
Antonyms
lie (Opposite in the sense of breaking the truth promised in an oath.)
Themes
law
|government
|ceremony
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A serious promise, often made in court or at a ceremony, to tell the truth or do something important.
A solemn promise, often made in a legal, official, or ceremonial context, to tell the truth or to faithfully carry out a duty.
NOUN
B2
INFORMAL
2
szitokszó
B2
káromkodás
B1
He muttered an oath under his breath when he saw the damage.
Az orra alatt elmormolt egy szitokszót, amikor meglátta a kárt.
She shouted an oath as she dropped the plate.
Elkáromkodta magát, amikor leejtette a tányért.
Oaths and curses filled the air during the heated argument.
Learner examples
He said an oath when he was angry.
Káromkodott, amikor mérges volt.
She shouted an oath after she fell.
Elkáromkodta magát, miután elesett.
The man used many oaths in his speech.
Common mistake:
Learners may think 'oath' always means 'formal promise', but in informal use it can mean a bad word.
Meaning
rude or offensive word
Collocations
shout an oath
|utter an oath
|curse and oaths
Synonyms
swear word (A direct equivalent meaning a rude or offensive word.)
|
curse (Can mean a rude word or an expression wishing harm; broader than 'oath'.)
Antonyms
polite expression (Opposite in that it is socially acceptable and non-offensive.)
Themes
language
|emotions
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A bad word that people say when they are angry or shocked.
A word or phrase that is considered offensive, used to express strong feelings such as anger or surprise.
Grammar
Dictionary form
oath
IPA
GB/ˈoʊθ/
US/ˈoʊθ/
Syllables & stress
oath (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (oath)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: oath
- Plural: oaths
Word family
Expressions
oath of office
1/ˈoʊθ əv ˈɔfɪs/
fixed phrase
formal
formal job promise
A serious promise made when starting an important job to do it well and honestly.
Examples
- The judge took the oath of office before beginning her term.
- The new governor recited the oath of office at the inauguration.
swear an oath
1/swˈɛɹ ən ˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
state a solemn promise aloud
To say a serious promise out loud, often in court or at a ceremony.
Examples
- He swore an oath to uphold the law.
- They swore an oath of allegiance at the ceremony.
take an oath
1/tˈeɪk ən ˈoʊθ/
fixed phrase
make a formal promise
To make a serious and formal promise, usually in court or at a ceremony.
Examples
- All witnesses must take an oath before testifying.
- The mayor took an oath of office on Monday.
oath of allegiance
1/ˈoʊθ əv əlˈid͡ʒəns/
fixed phrase
formal
formal loyalty promise
A serious promise to be loyal to a country or leader.
Examples
- Immigrants must take an oath of allegiance when becoming citizens.
- The new citizens took an oath of allegiance in front of the judge.
- The soldiers took an oath of allegiance before deployment.
- Soldiers must take an oath of allegiance before they receive their uniforms.
- Breaking an oath of allegiance was once seen as a serious crime.