Usage Note
Serment is a formal, often legal or ceremonial commitment; prêter serment means to take an oath in a courtroom or official context. It is weightier than promesse and typically implies a public or witnessed pledge. The related adjective is assermenté (sworn in).
Examples
"Il a prêté serment devant le juge."
Natural Translation
He took an oath before the judge.
Literal Translation
He swore oath before the judge.
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