Commitments Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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commitments

[kษ™หˆmษชtmษ™nts ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

personal life

Commitments refer to the obligations or promises that one has agreed to fulfill. These can include responsibilities in relationships, work, or other aspects of life.

Synonyms

obligations, promises, responsibilities.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commitments

This word is often used to describe official or binding agreements, tasks, or responsibilities one has agreed to fulfill. It can apply to personal, professional, or organizational contexts.

  • I have too many commitments at work and won't be able to attend the meeting.
  • She has significant family commitments to consider before taking on a new job.
obligations

This term implies duties or actions that are required or expected, often by rule, law, or social norms. It has a formal tone and can carry a sense of duty or moral necessity.

  • Parents have an obligation to care for their children.
  • He felt an obligation to help his friend in need.
promises

Promises refer to declarations or assurances that one will do something or that a particular thing will happen. This word is often used in personal contexts to convey trust and assurance.

  • She made a promise to call her mother every week.
  • He broke his promise to finish the project on time.
responsibilities

This word is used to describe tasks or duties that one is required or expected to carry out. It can be used in both personal and professional contexts and often involves accountability.

  • Students have the responsibility to complete their homework.
  • As a manager, he has many responsibilities to oversee.

Examples of usage

  • I have commitments to my family that I cannot neglect.
  • She takes her work commitments very seriously.
Context #2 | Noun

business

In a business context, commitments can also refer to agreements or contracts that have been made with clients, suppliers, or other parties.

Synonyms

agreements, contracts, obligations.

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Word Description / Examples
commitments

Used when talking about responsibilities or promises that someone has agreed to take on, often long-term and not strictly legally binding.

  • He has several commitments, including volunteering at the local shelter and attending weekly meetings
agreements

Refers to mutual understandings or arrangements between parties, which can be formal or informal.

  • After a long negotiation, both companies reached an agreement on the terms of the merger
contracts

Used in legal and formal contexts to refer to written or spoken agreements, typically enforceable by law.

  • The employee signed a contract that outlined his job responsibilities and salary
obligations

Implies duties or responsibilities that one is bound to fulfill, often due to moral, legal, or other rules.

  • She felt a strong obligation to care for her aging parents

Examples of usage

  • Our company has financial commitments to fulfill by the end of the quarter.
  • The contract includes specific commitments regarding delivery timelines.
Context #3 | Noun

financial

Financial commitments are the ongoing expenses or payments that an individual or organization is required to make, such as loan repayments or rent.

Synonyms

expenses, obligations, payments.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
commitments

Used to refer to promises, responsibilities, or engagements that one has agreed to fulfill. This word is suitable in both personal and professional settings.

  • She has many commitments at work this month.
  • I can't go out tonight; I have commitments with my family.

Examples of usage

  • She was unable to take on more debt due to existing financial commitments.
  • The company's financial commitments were carefully assessed before making the investment.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Studies show that making commitments can enhance motivation and accountability, increasing the likelihood of achieving goals.
  • Psychological research indicates that individuals who make public commitments are more likely to follow through than those who keep their promises private.
  • Commitment levels can strongly influence relationship satisfaction and longevity, particularly in romantic partnerships.

Pop Culture

  • In many movies and shows, characters often face dilemmas about commitment, reflecting its emotional and social significance.
  • The idea of 'commitment issues' is common in modern storytelling, illustrating fears around long-term relationships and obligations.
  • Songs and literature frequently explore themes of commitment, highlighting both the beauty and the challenges of promise-making.

Cultural Perspectives

  • Different cultures view commitments in various contexts; for example, marriage commitments vary greatly across societies.
  • In some cultures, community commitments (like family obligations) are prioritized over personal desires, emphasizing collective well-being.
  • The notion of commitment in work environments also differs by culture, with some places placing a high value on loyalty to employers.

Ethics

  • Ethically, commitments are often seen as moral obligations that hold individuals accountable for their actions.
  • Philosophers debate the nature of commitment, asking whether itโ€™s a moral duty or a personal choice.
  • In various ethical theories, the implications of making and breaking commitments are critically examined, stressing the importance of trust.

Origin of 'commitments'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'commit,' which has its roots in Latin 'committere,' meaning 'to entrust' or 'to bring together.'
  • Historically, the concept of commitment has been tied to legal agreements and vows, showing its importance in society.
  • The use of 'commitment' in the context of promises has evolved, especially with the rise of personal development in the 20th century.

The word 'commitment' originated from the Latin word 'committere', which means to entrust or consign. Over time, it evolved to represent the act of dedicating oneself to a particular course of action or belief. The concept of commitments has been prevalent in various aspects of human life, from personal relationships to business transactions, highlighting the importance of honoring promises and obligations.


See also: commit, commitment, committed, committee, uncommitted.

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,856 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.