# dedication

/ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/ (US) · /dˌɛdɪkˈeɪʃən/ (UK)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dedication
Updated: 2026-06-20

## Senses

### 1. hard work and commitment

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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'.

### 2. a message in a book

noun · CEFR B2

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

For teachers: 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.

### 3. an opening ceremony

noun · CEFR C1 · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

### 4. giving up property rights

noun · CEFR C2 · Technical · Formal

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

For teachers: 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.

## Examples

- Her dedication to her studies helped her pass the exam.
- The athlete's success is a result of years of intense training and total dedication to his sport.
- The author included a touching dedication to her parents in the front of the novel, acknowledging their unwavering support throughout her writing career.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.