oath

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun profane or obscene expression usually of surprise or anger
  2. noun a commitment to tell the truth (especially in a court of law); to lie under oath is to become subject to prosecution for perjury
  3. noun a solemn promise, usually invoking a divine witness, regarding your future acts or behavior

Etymology

From Middle English ooth, oth, ath, from Old English āþ (“oath”), from Proto-West Germanic *aiþ (“oath”), from Proto-Germanic *aiþaz (“oath”). Cognate with Scots aith, athe (“oath”), North Frisian ith, iss (“oath”), Saterland Frisian Eed (“oath”), West Frisian eed (“oath”), Dutch eed (“oath”), German Eid (“oath”), Swedish ed (“oath”), Icelandic eið (“oath”), Latin ūtor (“make use of, employ, avail”, verb), Old Irish óeth (“oath”).

In classic literature

Synonyms

curse, curse word, expletive, swearing, swearword, cuss

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