Vow vs. Wow — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on March 12, 2024
A vow is a solemn promise or commitment, often made in a ceremonial context, while "wow" expresses amazement or admiration.
Difference Between Vow and Wow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A vow is a serious pledge or promise, typically made in a formal setting such as a wedding or religious ceremony, signifying a deep commitment to an act, cause, or another person. On the other hand, "wow" is an exclamation used to express surprise, admiration, or pleasure, often as a reaction to something impressive or unexpected.
Vows are often associated with solemnity and carry a sense of duty and obligation, reflecting the gravity of the commitment being made. Whereas, "wow" is spontaneous and reflects an immediate emotional response, highlighting moments that stand out for their excellence or shock value.
While vows require a level of premeditation and are usually expressed in a structured manner, "wow" is instinctive and can be used in a wide range of informal situations, from observing a stunning view to witnessing a remarkable talent.
Vows often involve a declaration in front of witnesses, emphasizing the social aspect of the commitment being undertaken. In contrast, "wow" can be a private expression of one's feelings, not necessarily requiring an audience or formal acknowledgment.
Vows have historical and cultural significance, often embedded in traditions and rituals that span centuries. Meanwhile, "wow" is a more modern expression, adaptable and used across various contexts without the weight of historical precedent.
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Comparison Chart
Nature
Solemn promise or commitment
Expression of amazement
Context
Formal, ceremonial
Informal, spontaneous
Emotional Tone
Serious, committed
Surprised, admiring
Precedence
Requires premeditation
Instantaneous
Social Component
Often made in front of witnesses
Can be private or public
Significance
Deep, with historical and cultural roots
Modern, adaptable
Duration
Long-term commitment
Momentary reaction
Expression
Structured, often verbal or written
Exclamatory, verbal
Purpose
To pledge or commit oneself to something
To express admiration or surprise
Cultural Weight
Embedded in traditions and rituals
Casual, with flexible usage
Compare with Definitions
Vow
A solemn promise to perform a specific act.
She made a vow to complete her education despite the challenges.
Wow
An expression of astonishment at a new discovery.
Wow, this technology is revolutionary!
Vow
An oath taken to uphold certain principles or duties.
The knights took vows to protect the realm.
Wow
An exclamation of surprise or admiration.
Wow, that sunset is breathtaking!
Vow
A commitment to a religious or spiritual practice.
He took a vow of silence during the retreat.
Wow
Praise for a remarkable achievement.
Wow, you finished the marathon in record time!
Vow
A pledge of loyalty or fidelity.
They exchanged vows at their wedding, promising to support each other.
Wow
A reaction to something extraordinary or unexpected.
Wow, I didn't see that plot twist coming.
Vow
A binding promise made during a ceremony.
Their marriage vows were witnessed by friends and family.
Wow
A response to an impressive performance.
Wow, your piano recital was amazing!
Vow
Dedicate to a deity by a vow
Wow
Expressing astonishment or admiration
‘Wow!’ he cried enthusiastically
Vow
A vow (Lat. votum, vow, promise; see vote) is a promise or oath.
Wow
A sensational success
Your play's a wow
Vow
An earnest promise to perform a specified act or behave in a certain manner, especially a solemn promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order
Take the vows of a nun.
Wow
Slow pitch fluctuation in sound reproduction, perceptible in long notes.
Vow
To promise solemnly; pledge.
Wow
Impress and excite (someone) greatly
They wowed audiences on their recent British tour
Vow
To make a pledge or threat to undertake
Vowing revenge on their persecutors.
Wow
Used to express wonder, amazement, or great pleasure.
Vow
To make a vow; promise.
Wow
An outstanding success.
Vow
To declare or assert
"Well, I vow it is as fine a boy as ever was seen!" (Henry Fielding).
Wow
Slow variation in the pitch of a sound reproduction resulting from variations in the speed of the recording or reproducing equipment.
Vow
A solemn promise to perform some act, or behave in a specified manner, especially a promise to live and act in accordance with the rules of a religious order.
The old hermit, up in the mountains, took a vow of silence.
Wow
To have a strong, usually pleasurable effect on
A performance that wowed the audience.
Vow
A declaration or assertion.
Wow
An indication of excitement, surprise, astonishment, or pleasure.
Wow, I sure was surprised!
Vow
(obsolete) A votive offering.
Wow
An expression of amazement, awe, or admiration.
Wow! How do they do that?
Vow
(ambitransitive) To make a vow; to promise.
Wow
Used sarcastically to express disapproval of something.
Wow… good job using all of our supplies on the first day.
Vow
(transitive) To make a vow regarding (something).
The wronged woman vowed revenge.
Wow
To amaze or awe.
He really wowed the audience.
Vow
To declare publicly that one has made a vow, usually to show one's determination or to announce an act of retaliation.
The rebels vowed to continue their fight.
Wow
(informal) Anything exceptionally surprising, unbelievable, outstanding, etc.
He did? That's a wow!
Vow
A solemn promise made to God, or to some deity; an act by which one consecrates or devotes himself, absolutely or conditionally, wholly or in part, for a longer or shorter time, to some act, service, or condition; a devotion of one's possessions; as, a baptismal vow; a vow of poverty.
I pray thee, let me go and pay my vow.
I am combined by a sacred vow.
Wow
(audio) A relatively slow form of flutter (pitch variation) which can affect both gramophone records and tape recorders.
Vow
Specifically, a promise of fidelity; a pledge of love or affection; as, the marriage vow.
Knights of love, who never broke their vow;Firm to their plighted faith.
Wow
A joke that seems extremely funny
Vow
To give, consecrate, or dedicate to God, or to some deity, by a solemn promise; to devote; to promise solemnly.
[Men] that vow a long and weary pilgrimage.
Wow
Impress greatly;
The speaker wowed the audience
Vow
To assert solemnly; to asseverate.
Vow
To make a vow, or solemn promise.
Better is it that thou shouldest not vow, than that thou shouldest vow and not pay.
Vow
A solemn pledge (to oneself or to another or to a deity) to do something or to behave in a certain manner;
They took vows of poverty
Vow
Make a vow; promise;
He vowed never to drink alcohol again
Common Curiosities
What is a vow?
A vow is a solemn promise or commitment, often made in a ceremonial or formal context.
Are vows legally binding?
Some vows, especially those made in legal or religious ceremonies, can have legal or moral obligations.
What does "wow" mean?
"Wow" is an exclamation used to express amazement, admiration, or surprise.
What types of achievements typically elicit a "wow" reaction?
Extraordinary talents, achievements, or unexpected positive outcomes often elicit a "wow" reaction.
In what context are vows typically made?
Vows are commonly made in formal settings like weddings, religious ceremonies, or significant personal commitments.
Is "wow" an emotional response?
Yes, "wow" is an emotional response indicating surprise, admiration, or pleasure.
Can "wow" be used in formal situations?
While "wow" is more casual and spontaneous, it can be used in formal situations to express genuine surprise or admiration.
Do all cultures use vows in ceremonies?
Most cultures have some form of vow-making in their ceremonial practices, though the specifics can vary widely.
Is "wow" used universally in all languages?
"Wow" is widely understood, but different languages have their own expressions of surprise and admiration.
Can vows be broken?
Vows can be broken, but this often carries ethical, moral, or legal consequences depending on the context.
Can "wow" be both positive and negative?
Yes, "wow" can express positive surprise or disbelief in a negative context, depending on the tone and situation.
What makes something "wow-worthy"?
Something impressive, unexpected, or extraordinary can be considered "wow-worthy."
Are vows always formal and serious?
While vows are generally formal and carry a serious tone, informal vows can also be made in personal and less ceremonial contexts.
What is the importance of vows in a marriage?
In a marriage, vows symbolize the commitment and promises made between partners, forming the foundation of their relationship.
How are vows renewed?
Vows can be renewed in ceremonies or personal rituals, reaffirming the original commitments made.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
