promesa

Promesa is a Spanish noun meaning a commitment to do something, a pledge, or a vow. It can refer to a personal assurance given to another, or to a formal obligation that something will be done in the future. The term is widely used in everyday language as well as in legal and ceremonial contexts.

Etymology: Promesa derives from Latin promissa, linked to promiss- and ultimately to promittere, the verb “to promise.” The word is feminine: la promesa, plural las promesas.

In legal and commercial settings, promesa often denotes a preliminary agreement in which parties commit to enter into a future contract, such as a promesa de compra-venta (promise to buy/sell). Depending on the jurisdiction, such promesas may create enforceable obligations and are sometimes followed by a formal escritura or deed.

In social and religious contexts, a promesa may be a vow or pledge made to a saint, deity, or sacred figure, often in exchange for a favor or answered prayer. Politically, the term is common in reference to electoral promises (promesas electorales), which are commitments offered by candidates during campaigns and can influence public expectations.