Word
dedication
Phoneticsded·i·ca·tion, stress on the third syllable
US/ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/
UK/dˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən/
Definitions
01hard work and commitment
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the willingness to give a lot of your time and energy to something because it is important.
n. the quality of being committed to a task or purpose; personal devotion to a cause or career.
“Her dedication to her nursing job is clear to everyone who meets her.”
“The project's success was largely due to the tireless dedication of the research team, who worked through several weekends to meet the deadline.”
Usage
Often followed by the preposition 'to'.
Synonyms
Antonyms
02a message in a book
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. a short message at the beginning of a book or song to show thanks or respect to someone.
n. an inscription or note at the beginning of a literary or artistic work, typically addressed to a patron or loved one.
“The author wrote a touching dedication to his parents on the first page.”
“The composer included a formal dedication to his mentor in the printed score of the symphony.”
Synonyms
03an opening ceremony
C1 · Advanced Countable noun Formal
n. a formal ceremony to celebrate the completion or opening of something new, like a building.
n. a ceremony marking the official completion or opening of a public building, monument, or institution.
“The mayor attended the dedication of the new library last Saturday.”
“The dedication of the war memorial was a somber event attended by hundreds of local residents and veterans.”
Synonyms
04giving up property rights
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Law Technical · Formal
n. the act of giving up land or property for public use.
n. the donation of land or rights by an owner to the public or a government body for a specific use.
“The developer agreed to the dedication of the park to the city.”
“The court ruled that the long-term public use of the path constituted an implied dedication by the previous landowner.”
Usage
Used in property law to describe the transfer of private land to public ownership.
Synonyms
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “dedication” in context.
Verb
01. admire her dedication
“We all admire her dedication to improving the lives of underprivileged children.”
verb + possessive + noun
02. demonstrate dedication
“The young intern demonstrated great dedication by staying late every evening to finish the report.”
verb + noun
03. require dedication
“Learning a new language to a professional level requires immense dedication and patience.”
verb + noun
Adjective
04. single-minded dedication
“Achieving such a high level of mastery requires single-minded dedication to your craft.”
adj + noun
05. unwavering dedication
“Her unwavering dedication to the cause inspired everyone in the organization.”
adj + noun
Noun
06. dedication to the job
“His total dedication to the job often meant he had very little time for his personal life.”
noun + prep + noun
07. level of dedication
“The coach was impressed by the level of dedication shown by the new recruits during training.”
noun + of + noun
Preposition
08. with dedication
“She approached every task with dedication, no matter how small or insignificant it seemed.”
prep + noun
Real-World Examples
“PC Blades' wife said he "gave his life in the line of duty, protecting and serving others with courage, dedication and selflessness".” “Few exemplified this dedication to liberty as much as Barry.” Etymology
Originated 1350–1400 from Middle English dedicacioun, from Old French dedicacion (“consecration of a church or chapel”), from Latin dēdicātiō, equivalent to dēdicātus+-iōn.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
VERB
NOUN
Domain
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- C1 · AdvancedOxford
- Updated
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