swear
Significado: To make a solemn promise; to use offensive language
Swear has two main meanings: to make a solemn promise or oath (as in court), or to use offensive or profane language. 'I could have sworn' expresses being almost certain about something. 'Swear by' something means to have great faith in it. 'Swear words' are profane expressions.
Ejemplos
- Do you swear to tell the truth, the whole truth? 你发誓说真话,全部的真话吗?¿Juras decir la verdad, toda la verdad?真実を、すべての真実を述べることを誓いますか?진실을, 오직 진실만을 말할 것을 맹세합니까?
- I could have sworn I left my keys here. 我本来以为我把钥匙放在这里了。Podría haber jurado que dejé mis llaves aquí.鍵をここに置いたはずなのに。분명히 여기에 열쇠를 둔 것 같았는데.
- He swears by his morning coffee routine. 他非常信赖他的晨间咖啡习惯。Él jura por su rutina de café matutino.彼は朝のコーヒーの習慣を絶対的に信頼しています。그는 아침 커피 루틴을 절대적으로 신뢰합니다.
Pronunciación
Guía de uso
Contexto: general
Tono: neutral
Origen e historia
From Old English 'swerian' (to take an oath, make a solemn declaration), from Proto-Germanic *swarjaną, from PIE root *swer- (to speak, say). The profanity sense comes from swearing sacred oaths carelessly.
Contexto cultural
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
Historia y curiosidades
In medieval courts, witnesses would swear oaths on the Bible - hence the dual meaning. The connection between solemn oaths and profanity comes from the serious offence of swearing falsely by God's name.
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