Dedication: meaning, definitions and examples

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dedication

 

[ ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

showing commitment

The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose.

Synonyms

commitment, devotion, loyalty.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dedication

Use this term when emphasizing one's enthusiasm and sustained effort toward a goal or task. It is often associated with formal, professional, or artistic settings.

  • Her dedication to her research resulted in groundbreaking discoveries.
  • The artist’s dedication to his craft is evident in his detailed sculptures.
commitment

This word is best used when talking about a promise or obligation to complete something, often implying a sense of duty or responsibility. It is common in both personal and professional contexts.

  • His commitment to the project ensured its timely completion.
  • Marriage requires a lifelong commitment from both partners.
devotion

Devotion is used when you want to highlight a deep love, admiration, or zeal towards a person, cause, or activity. It often implies an emotional or personal connection.

  • Her devotion to her family is truly inspiring.
  • He has a strong devotion to helping the homeless.
loyalty

Loyalty is best used to describe a steadfast allegiance or support to someone or something, often in a relationship context. It suggests faithfulness and reliability over time.

  • The dog's loyalty to its owner was unwavering.
  • Her loyalty to the company was rewarded with a promotion.

Examples of usage

  • He showed great dedication to his work.
  • She has unwavering dedication to her studies.
  • The team's dedication to the project was evident in their long hours and hard work.
Context #2 | Noun

a formal statement

A formal statement of intent or purpose.

Synonyms

announcement, declaration, proclamation.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dedication

Use when showing strong commitment or devotion to a cause, task, or purpose.

  • Her dedication to her work is truly inspiring
  • The dedication ceremony for the new library will be held tomorrow
declaration

Use for formal statements or proclamations, often with a sense of authority or decision.

  • The declaration of independence is a historic document
  • Their declaration of war shocked the international community
proclamation

Use for official statements made by someone in a position of authority, often used in formal or governmental contexts.

  • The mayor issued a proclamation declaring a state of emergency
  • The king made a proclamation that changed the law
announcement

Use for public statements or notices, informing people about specific news or events.

  • The company made an announcement about the new product launch
  • She posted an announcement about their engagement on social media

Examples of usage

  • The dedication of the new building was attended by many important guests.
  • She read a dedication to her fans at the beginning of her book.
  • The dedication on the monument honored the fallen soldiers.
Context #3 | Noun

religious context

The action of dedicating a church or other building for religious use.

Synonyms

blessing, consecration, inauguration.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
dedication

This word is often used to describe a ceremony or event where something is officially assigned for a particular purpose. It can also mean showing commitment and effort towards a task or cause.

  • She showed great dedication to her studies.
  • The school held a dedication ceremony for the new library.
consecration

This term is mostly used in religious settings to describe the act of making something sacred through a special ritual or ceremony.

  • The bishop performed the consecration of the new church.
  • The sacred site underwent consecration during the festival.
blessing

Typically used in religious or spiritual contexts, it refers to words spoken or actions performed to invoke divine favor or express good wishes.

  • They received a blessing from the priest before starting their journey.
  • The family gathered to give thanks and ask for blessings on the new house.
inauguration

This is used for formal events, particularly in a political or institutional setting, marking the beginning of a new period, such as the start of an official's term or the opening of a significant facility.

  • The president gave a speech during his inauguration.
  • The museum’s inauguration attracted visitors from across the country.

Examples of usage

  • The dedication of the cathedral took place with a special ceremony.
  • The dedication of the temple was a solemn occasion.
  • The dedication of the altar was a sacred ritual.

Translations

Translations of the word "dedication" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dedicação

🇮🇳 समर्पण

🇩🇪 Hingabe

🇮🇩 dedikasi

🇺🇦 відданість

🇵🇱 zaangażowanie

🇯🇵 献身 (けんしん)

🇫🇷 dévouement

🇪🇸 dedicación

🇹🇷 adama

🇰🇷 헌신 (heonsin)

🇸🇦 تفان

🇨🇿 oddanost

🇸🇰 oddanosť

🇨🇳 奉献 (fèngxiàn)

🇸🇮 predanost

🇮🇸 tileinkun

🇰🇿 адалдық

🇬🇪 ერთგულება

🇦🇿 sədaqət

🇲🇽 dedicación

Etymology

The word 'dedication' originated from the Latin word 'dedicatio', which means consecration or declaration. In ancient Rome, dedication ceremonies were common for temples, buildings, and other important structures. Over time, the term evolved to encompass a broader sense of commitment and purpose. Today, 'dedication' is widely used to describe a strong commitment to a cause or task, as well as formal statements of intent or devotion.

Word Frequency Rank

At #7,423 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.