n. grounds for feeling hopeful about the future; "there is little or no promise that he will recover"

n. a verbal commitment by one person to another agreeing to do (or not to do) something in the future

v. make a promise or commitment

v. promise to undertake or give; "I promise you my best effort"

v. make a prediction about; tell in advance; "Call the outcome of an election"

v. give grounds for expectations; "The new results were promising"; "The results promised fame and glory"