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REFERENCE

dedicated

adj. · v.
US //ˈdɛdəkeɪtəd// UK //dˈɛdɪkˌeɪtɪd// ded·i·cat·ed
  1. 1 hard-working and loyal (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    working very hard at something because you care about it or believe it is important.

    characterised by singular devotion or loyalty to a particular person, cause, or task.

    Example

    She is a dedicated teacher who stays late every day to help her students.

    Example

    The success of the charity is largely due to a small team of dedicated volunteers who have worked tirelessly for over a decade.

    Usage

    Often followed by the preposition 'to' and a noun or gerund.

  2. 2 for one specific purpose (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Technical

    used for only one particular job or purpose.

    exclusively allocated to or designed for a specific function or user.

    Example

    The hospital has a dedicated entrance for emergency vehicles only.

    Example

    High-frequency traders often require a dedicated server to ensure the lowest possible latency during market fluctuations.

    Usage

    Commonly used in technical, computing, and administrative contexts.

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  1. 3 gave time or effort (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    gave a lot of your time and effort to a specific goal.

    the past tense and past participle of 'dedicate', meaning to commit oneself or a resource to a particular course of action.

    Example

    He dedicated his life to protecting the local forest from builders.

    Example

    The scientist dedicated her entire career to finding a cure for this rare disease, eventually publishing her findings last year.

    Usage

    As a transitive verb, it requires a direct object and usually the preposition 'to'.

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