dedication
dedication
Pronunciation
/ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/
ded: /ded/
/d/ as in "dog"
/e/ as in "bed"
/d/ as in "dog"
i: /ɪ/ as in "bit"
ca: /keɪ/
/k/ as in "cat"
/eɪ/ as in "face"
tion: /ʃn/
/ʃ/ as in "ship"
/n/ as in "nap"
Word Form Variations
dedication (noun, singular): This is the base form, referring to the act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated.
dedications (noun, plural): This refers to multiple instances of dedicating something, or multiple things that have been dedicated. For example, "The library held a ceremony for the dedications of several new wings."
dedicated (adjective): Describes someone or something that is committed to a task or purpose. It can also be the past tense and past participle of the verb "to dedicate." For example, "She is a dedicated teacher." or "The building was dedicated to his memory."
dedicate (verb): To commit something to a specific purpose. For example, "They will dedicate the park next week."
dedicating (verb, present participle/gerund): The act of dedicating. For example, "He is dedicating his time to the project."
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun (dedication/dedications)
Definition 1: The act of committing oneself or one's resources to a particular purpose, cause, or person. This can be a formal ceremony or a quiet personal commitment.
Synonyms: commitment, devotion, allegiance, consecration, devotion, faithfulness, loyalty, adherence
Antonyms: apathy, indifference, neglect, disloyalty, treachery, inconstancy, faithlessness
Definition 2: A written or spoken tribute expressing respect or affection, often placed at the beginning of a book or other work.
Synonyms: inscription, tribute, acknowledgment, commendation, eulogy
Antonyms: denunciation, criticism, condemnation
Verb (dedicate)
Definition: To commit or devote (oneself, one's time, or resources) to a specific purpose, cause, or person.
Synonyms: devote, commit, consecrate, assign, allocate, pledge, surrender, give over
Antonyms: withhold, retract, renounce, disavow, abandon, neglect, disregard
Adjective (dedicated)
Definition 1: Wholly committed to a particular course of thought, action, or goal.
Synonyms: devoted, committed, loyal, faithful, steadfast, resolute, determined, driven
Antonyms: apathetic, indifferent, uncommitted, disloyal, fickle, irresolute, half-hearted
Definition 2: Set aside for a particular use or purpose.
Synonyms: designated, allocated, assigned, reserved, earmarked, consecrated
Antonyms: undesignated, unallocated, unassigned, general, common, shared
Adverb (dedicatedly) - While not a commonly used form, it could be used to describe how something is done.
Definition: In a dedicated manner; with commitment and devotion.
Synonyms: devotedly, faithfully, loyally, steadfastly, resolutely, diligently, assiduously
Antonyms: apathetically, indifferently, unenthusiastically, half-heartedly, neglectfully
Examples of Use
Noun (dedication/dedications):
Books: "The book's dedication read, 'For my parents, whose unwavering support made this possible.'" (Fictional example, but typical book dedication.)
News Articles: "The mayor attended the dedication of the new community center." (Hypothetical news report.)
Online Publications: "This blog post is a dedication to all the healthcare workers who have tirelessly served during the pandemic." (Hypothetical blog post.)
Public Discourse: "The museum held a special event for the dedication of a new exhibit." (Hypothetical example of a public event.)
Verb (dedicate):
News Articles: "The athlete dedicated her Olympic medal to her late coach." (Hypothetical news report.)
Online Publications: "The company announced it will dedicate a portion of its profits to environmental conservation." (Hypothetical press release.)
Entertainment: "This song is dedicated to anyone who has ever felt lost." (Common phrase used by musicians.)
Public Discourse: "We must dedicate ourselves to creating a more just and equitable society." (Hypothetical example of a political speech or social commentary.)
Adjective (dedicated):
News Articles: "She is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for her students." (Hypothetical news report.)
Online Publications: "A dedicated team of researchers worked tirelessly to develop the new vaccine." (Hypothetical scientific journal article.)
Entertainment: "The film tells the story of a dedicated athlete's journey to the Olympics." (Hypothetical film synopsis.)
Public Discourse: "We need dedicated public servants who are committed to serving the best interests of their constituents." (Hypothetical example from a political debate.)
Adverb (dedicatedly):
Online Publications: "The team worked dedicatedly for months to complete the project on time." (Hypothetical project report.)
Public Discourse: "She dedicatedly campaigned for the rights of marginalized communities." (Hypothetical example of a speech or public statement.)
10 Famous Quotes Using Dedication
“Success is built on dedication, not luck.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said dedication begins where motivation fades.” (Unknown)
“History remembers those whose dedication outlived their doubts.” (Unknown)
“Love is sustained by dedication, not grand gestures.” (Unknown)
“The poet wrote that art breathes through quiet dedication more than sudden inspiration.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions require dedication long after passion cools.” (Unknown)
“Your future is shaped by your dedication to the habits you practice daily.” (Unknown)
“A leader’s character is measured by their dedication to those they serve.” (Unknown)
“Even a small dream becomes mighty through relentless dedication.” (Unknown)
“Hope is a form of dedication—a choice to believe again each day.” (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "dedication" comes from the Latin word dedicatio, which itself comes from dedicare. Dedicare means "to consecrate, to dedicate, to set apart." Think of it like making something sacred or officially setting it aside for a special purpose.
Going even further back, dedicare is made up of two parts: de- (meaning "down," "away," or "completely") and dicare (meaning "to proclaim," "to say," or "to declare"). So, literally, it's like "to thoroughly declare" something for a specific purpose.
The first known use of "dedication" in English was in the late 14th century. At that time, it had a similar meaning to its Latin root, referring to the act of formally setting something aside for a sacred or special use, often in a religious context. Think of dedicating a church or a religious text.
Over time, the meaning broadened to include the act of committing oneself or one's resources to a cause, person, or task, as well as the inscription in a book or work of art expressing respect or affection. So, while the original meaning was tied to formal, often religious, acts of setting something apart, it evolved to encompass a wider range of commitments and expressions of devotion.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Dedication
Phrases using "dedication":
A dedication to: This is a standard phrase used to describe what something is dedicated to. For example, "This book is a dedication to my family."
With dedication: This phrase describes the manner in which something is done. For example, "She pursued her studies with dedication."
Show dedication: This phrase means to demonstrate commitment. For example, "The team needs to show more dedication if they want to win."
Idioms expressing the concept of dedication (using synonyms):
To give one's all: This idiom means to dedicate all of one's effort and energy to something.
To be committed to something: A common way to express dedication.
To be devoted to something/someone: Similar to "committed to," but often implies a deeper emotional connection.
To stick to one's guns: This idiom implies dedication to one's beliefs or course of action, even in the face of opposition.
To go the extra mile: This describes the extra effort someone makes because of their dedication.
To keep at it: This implies perseverance and dedication to a task.
To burn the midnight oil: Describes working very hard and late, often due to dedication to a task.
Lesser-known or original phrases:
A monument to dedication: This phrase could be used to describe a project or achievement that demonstrates exceptional dedication.
The dedication of a lifetime: This phrase emphasizes a long-term commitment.
Dedicated to the cause: A phrase emphasizing commitment to a specific purpose.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of dedication from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
