What is swear? Pronunciation and usage in English

swear means . Learn how to pronounce and use swear through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of swear

swearverb

/swɛː/
Definition & pronunciation of swear

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "swear" in English. There are a couple of common pronunciations, depending on where you are and how it's being used. Here's a breakdown:

1. The Most Common Pronunciation (US English):

  • Pronunciation: /swɛər/ (Sounds like "sweer")
  • Breakdown:
    • "sw": Rhymes with "saw" or "bus."
    • "ea": Pronounced like "eh" (as in "bed").
    • "r": A soft, almost unstressed "r" sound. It's not a strong, rolled "r" like in Spanish.

2. The British English Pronunciation:

  • Pronunciation: /swɜːr/ (Sounds like "swer" with a longer "er" sound)
  • Breakdown:
    • "sw": Again, similar to "saw" or "bus."
    • "ea": Pronounced like "eh" (as in "bed").
    • "r": The "r" is slightly more pronounced than in American English, but still not a strong roll. It has a slightly drawn out "er" sound at the end.

Here’s a helpful tip: Listen to a native speaker pronounce it! You can find examples on:

To summarise:

  • US: /swɛər/ (sweer)
  • UK: /swɜːr/ (swer)

Do you want me to:

  • Provide more examples of how "swear" is used in a sentence?
  • Tell you about the difference between the meanings of “swear” (as a verb and as an oath)?

Usage and examples with the word swear in English

Let's break down how to use the word "swear" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb – To Make a Promise or Affirmation:

  • Basic Meaning: This is the most common understanding. To solemnly promise to do something or to state something is true.
    • Example: “I swear on my life that I didn’t see him!” (Expressing strong belief)
    • Example: “I swear to tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth.” (A standard oath)
    • Example: “She swore to protect her family.” (A strong commitment)
  • Phrases:
    • Swear an oath: A formal promise, often with religious or legal significance.
    • Swear someone in: Officially appoint someone to a position (e.g., "He swore her in as mayor.")

2. As a Verb – To Use Swear Words (Profanity):

  • Meaning: To use offensive or taboo words, typically expressing anger, frustration, or surprise. This is often considered impolite and should be used with caution.
  • Examples:
    • “He swore blue murder when he found out.” (British slang – very angry)
    • “Don’t swear!” (Asking someone to stop using bad language)
    • "She swore under her breath." (Said quietly, but with strong emotion)
  • Important Note: Swear words vary greatly by culture and context. What’s acceptable in one situation or region may be completely inappropriate in another.

3. As an Adjective – Relating to Swearing (Oaths):

  • Meaning: Describing something connected to oaths or promises.
  • Examples:
    • “a swearing ceremony” (a formal oath-taking event)
    • “a swearing witness” (someone who gives testimony under oath)
    • “The document contained a swearing statement.” (A formal statement of truth)

4. As an Interjection – Expressing Strong Emotion (Less Common):

  • Meaning: Used to express surprise, shock, or annoyance. This usage is less frequent now.
  • Example: “Swear! I didn’t know that!” (Expressing surprise)
  • Note: This usage is becoming less common and might sound a bit old-fashioned to some ears.

Key Considerations & Nuances:

  • Formality: Using "swear" as a verb (promise) is generally more formal than using it as a verb (profanity).
  • Context is Crucial: The meaning of "swear" is completely dependent on the context of the sentence.
  • Level of Offense: Be extremely careful when using "swear" as a verb (profanity). Consider your audience and the situation.

Resources for More Information:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • In what context are you trying to use the word "swear"? (e.g., "I'm writing a story," "I'm trying to understand a conversation," "I'm learning about legal terms")

Synonyms for the word swear

Idioms of the word swear

swear blind
(informal)to say that something is definitely true
  • He swore blind that he’d already paid back the money he owed me.
  • He swore blind that you knew all about it.
swear like a trooper
(old-fashioned, British English)to often use very rude or offensive language

    Practice with vocabulary swear

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. During the inauguration, the new president will _______ to uphold the Constitution.
    2. He made a solemn _______ to his parents that he would finish his degree.
    3. I can _______ that I saw him leave the office before anyone else.
    4. Witnesses are expected to _______ truthfully under oath in court.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

    1. Before giving evidence in the high-profile trial, the witness had to _______ on the holy book. A) affirm B) declare C) promise D) swear

    2. I _______ I didn't intend to cause any trouble; my intentions were completely innocent. A) state B) assure C) confirm D) swear

    3. The project manager had to _______ to the team that the deadline was non-negotiable. A) assert B) confirm C) stipulate D) emphasize

    4. It is considered unprofessional to _______ or use offensive language during a client presentation. A) grumble B) argue C) complain D) swear

    5. The auditor asked the CEO to _______ the financial statements' accuracy with their signature. A) attest B) verify C) confirm D) guarantee

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The new employee made a solemn commitment to uphold the company's ethical guidelines. Rewrite using "swear" or a related form:

    2. I am absolutely certain that I locked the main office door before leaving last night. Rewrite using "swear" or a related form:

    3. During the press conference, the minister publicly declared his firm intention to resign if the reforms failed. Rewrite without using "swear", using a suitable replacement word:

    Answer:

    Exercise 1:

    1. swear
    2. promise
    3. swear
    4. testify

    Exercise 2:

    1. D) swear
    2. B) assure, D) swear
    3. A) assert, D) emphasize
    4. D) swear
    5. A) attest, B) verify, C) confirm

    Exercise 3:

    1. The new employee had to swear to uphold the company's ethical guidelines.
    2. I could swear I locked the main office door before leaving last night.
    3. During the press conference, the minister publicly vowed to resign if the reforms failed.

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