dedication
deh-dih-KAY-shuhn
Dedication (noun) means Deep commitment and hard work devoted to a task, cause, or person. Example: “Years of dedication to practice made him a fine violinist.”
noun
1
Deep commitment and hard work devoted to a task, cause, or person.
"Years of dedication to practice made him a fine violinist."
"Nurses show great dedication when they work long shifts without complaint."
"Her dedication to the project impressed the entire board."
2
A short note in a book or artwork honouring someone, usually placed at the front.
"The author wrote a dedication to her parents at the front of the novel."
"I read the dedication first and smiled at the line for his dog."
"The dedication in the front of the book was written for his late wife."
3
A formal ceremony marking the opening or completion of something.
"The dedication of the new library took place on a sunny afternoon."
"Local children sang at the dedication of the village hall."
"The town held a dedication ceremony for the new war memorial."
How to use dedication
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishStrong commitment to something, a tribute written in a book, or an opening ceremony.
Common pairings
show dedication
book dedication
dedication ceremony
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Word forms
- Plural
- dedications
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Years of _____ to practice made him a fine violinist.
Etymology
From Old French dedicacion, from Latin dēdicātiō, built on dēdicātus.
Related words
Rhymes for dedication
region
ablation
allusion
emulsion
ideation
novation
diffusion
elocution
extension
oxidation
perfusion
selection
See all rhymes for dedication →
Frequently asked questions
What does “dedication” mean?
The word “dedication” means deep commitment and hard work devoted to a task, cause, or person. In plain terms, strong commitment to something, a tribute written in a book, or an opening ceremony.
How do you pronounce “dedication”?
“Dedication” is pronounced deh-dih-KAY-shuhn (/ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ in IPA).
How do you use “dedication” in a sentence?
Here is “dedication” used in a sentence: “Her dedication to the project impressed the entire board.”
What part of speech is “dedication”?
“Dedication” is a noun.
Where does the word “dedication” come from?
The word “dedication” comes from Latin. From Old French dedicacion, from Latin dēdicātiō, built on dēdicātus.
Is “dedication” a common word?
“Dedication” is a fairly common word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.
How many meanings does “dedication” have?
“Dedication” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: deep commitment and hard work devoted to a task, cause, or person.
What is the difference between 'dedication' and 'commitment'?
The two overlap, but 'dedication' stresses wholehearted devotion and hard work given to a task, cause, or person, often with emotional investment. 'Commitment' emphasises a binding obligation or promise to follow through, so you can be committed out of duty while dedication implies genuine devotion.
What is the difference between 'dedication' and 'devotion'?
Both express deep loyalty and effort, but 'dedication' leans toward commitment and hard work directed at a task or goal, while 'devotion' leans toward deep love or faithfulness. Dedication is often used for careers and causes, devotion for people and beliefs.
What is a 'dedication' at the front of a book?
A dedication is a short note in a book or artwork honouring someone, usually placed at the front. Authors use it to acknowledge a person who inspired or supported them, as in 'For my mother.'
What is a 'dedication ceremony'?
A dedication ceremony is a formal event marking the opening or completion of something, such as a building, monument, or place of worship. It publicly sets the thing apart for its intended purpose.
