What does "dedication" mean?

1. (hard work and commitment) the willingness to give a lot of your time and energy to something because it is important. 2. (a message in a book) a short message at the beginning of a book or song to show thanks or respect to someone. 3. (an opening ceremony) a formal ceremony to celebrate the completion or opening of something new, like a building. 4. (giving up property rights) the act of giving up land or property for public use.

How do you use "dedication"?

Often followed by the preposition 'to'. Used in property law to describe the transfer of private land to public ownership.

dedication

US //ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən// UK //dˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən// ded·i·ca·tion

1 hard work and commitment (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

the willingness to give a lot of your time and energy to something because it is important.

the quality of being committed to a task or purpose; personal devotion to a cause or career.

Example

Her dedication to her nursing job is clear to everyone who meets her.

Example

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'.
- apathy
- indifference
2 a message in a book (n.)
B2 Upper Intermediate

a short message at the beginning of a book or song to show thanks or respect to someone.

an inscription or note at the beginning of a literary or artistic work, typically addressed to a patron or loved one.

Example

The author wrote a touching dedication to his parents on the first page.

Example

The composer included a formal dedication to his mentor in the printed score of the symphony.
- inscription
- tribute

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3 an opening ceremony (n.)
C1 Advanced Formal

a formal ceremony to celebrate the completion or opening of something new, like a building.

a ceremony marking the official completion or opening of a public building, monument, or institution.

Example

The mayor attended the dedication of the new library last Saturday.

Example

The dedication of the war memorial was a somber event attended by hundreds of local residents and veterans.
- consecration
- opening
- inauguration
4 giving up property rights (n.)
C2 Proficiency Technical Formal Law

the act of giving up land or property for public use.

the donation of land or rights by an owner to the public or a government body for a specific use.

Example

The developer agreed to the dedication of the park to the city.

Example

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.
- surrender
- conveyance

Origin

Originated 1350–1400 from Middle English dedicacioun, from Old French dedicacion (“consecration of a church or chapel”), from Latin dēdicātiō, equivalent to dēdicātus+-iōn.