What is commitment? Pronunciation and usage in English

commitment means . Learn how to pronounce and use commitment through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of commitment

commitmentnoun

/kəˈmɪtm(ə)nt/
Definition & pronunciation of commitment

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "commitment" in English. It can be tricky for some! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is divided into three syllables:

  • com - like the beginning of "come"
  • mit - like the word "bit"
  • ment - like the word "went"

2. Phonetics (Sounds):

Here's a phonetic approximation (using the International Phonetic Alphabet - IPA, which is the most accurate way to represent sounds):

  • ˈkɒmɪt𝑚ənt

Let’s break that down further:

  • ˈkɒm: “com” as in “come.” The “o” sound is a short “o” like in “hot.”
  • ɪt: “it” – a short “i” sound, like in “bit.”
  • mənt: “ment” – the “m” sound, followed by the short “e” sound (like in “bed”) and the “nt” sound (rhymes with “went”).

3. Putting it Together (and tips!):

  1. Start with “com.”
  2. Add “it” – say “it” clearly.
  3. Finish with “ment” – make sure the “nt” blends smoothly with the “it.”

4. Common Mispronunciations and how to avoid them:

  • Don't pronounce the "t" at the end: Many people drop the “t,” which is incorrect. It’s a full, clear “t” sound.
  • Don't over-elongate: Each syllable should be distinct but not drawn out. Keep it relatively even.

Resources for Hearing It:

To help me tailor my explanation even further, would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences to practice with?
  • Focus on a specific part of the pronunciation that you’re finding difficult?

Usage and examples with the word commitment in English

Let's break down how to use the word "commitment" effectively in English. It's a versatile word with a few different shades of meaning. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning - a pledge or promise):

  • General Definition: A commitment is a firm decision to do or achieve something. It implies a dedication and willingness to follow through.

  • Examples:

    • "He made a commitment to quit smoking." (He promised to stop.)
    • "She's made a lifelong commitment to her family." (She’s dedicated her life to her family.)
    • “They entered into a legal commitment – a marriage.” (They got married)
    • “The company has a commitment to sustainability.” (They’ve pledged to be environmentally responsible.)
    • "I want to make a personal commitment to be more organized.” (I’m going to make an effort to be more organized.)

2. As a Noun (specifically – a contractual obligation):

  • Business/Legal Context: In business and law, "commitment" often refers to a legally binding agreement, often involving money or resources.

  • Examples:

    • “The supplier offered a commitment to deliver the goods by next week.” (A guaranteed delivery date.)
    • “The development team made a significant commitment of resources to the project.” (They dedicated a lot of time and money.)
    • "The bank extended a commitment to lend the company $5 million.” (The bank guaranteed to lend the money.)

3. As a Verb (to pledge or dedicate):

  • Meaning: To commit (something) means to dedicate or pledge it to a particular purpose or cause. This often implies a serious intention.

  • Examples:

    • “He committed himself to protecting the environment.” (He dedicated himself to it.)
    • “She committed her talent to the role.” (She dedicated her skills to the part.)
    • “The charity committed funds to building a new school.” (The charity pledged money.)

4. Related Phrases & Contexts:

  • "Sense of commitment": This describes a feeling of dedication and responsibility. "She has a strong sense of commitment to her work."

  • "Make a commitment": This is a common phrase meaning to decide to do something, to pledge oneself. “I’m going to make a commitment to exercise three times a week.”

  • "Broken commitment": When someone doesn't follow through on a pledge. “His broken commitment to the project damaged his reputation.”

  • "Take a commitment": This means to accept or undertake an obligation. “She took on the commitment of volunteering at the hospital.”

Tips for Using "Commitment" Effectively:

  • Consider the context: Is it a personal pledge, a business agreement, or something more abstract?
  • Use strong verbs: Instead of just saying “He’s devoted to,” consider “He committed himself to…”
  • Show dedication: “Commitment” implies action and follow-through, so think about how your sentence illustrates that.

Resources for Further Learning:

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What kind of context are you thinking about using "commitment" in? (e.g., personal relationships, work, a specific topic?)

Synonyms for the word commitment

Practice with vocabulary commitment

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her unwavering _________ to the project ensured its success despite the challenges.
  2. The manager emphasized the importance of _________ to the team’s goals during the meeting.
  3. He showed a remarkable level of _________ to his studies, which earned him top grades.
  4. The company’s _________ to sustainability has led to significant improvements in its environmental practices.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word best describes a strong dedication to a cause or goal?
    a) Commitment
    b) Interest
    c) Curiosity
    d) Involvement

  2. What is essential for achieving long-term success in any endeavor?
    a) Flexibility
    b) Commitment
    c) Knowledge
    d) Creativity

  3. Which of the following is NOT a synonym for "commitment"?
    a) Devotion
    b) Obligation
    c) Indifference
    d) Dedication

  4. What does it mean to have a sense of _________ to your work?
    a) Responsibility
    b) Commitment
    c) Distraction
    d) Hesitation

  5. Which word would best fit in this sentence: "Her _________ to the team was evident in her willingness to work extra hours"?
    a) Commitment
    b) Hesitation
    c) Obligation
    d) Independence

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: She was determined to finish the project on time.
    Rewrite: She showed great commitment to finishing the project on time.

  2. Original: The organization’s dedication to training its employees has been impressive.
    Rewrite: The organization’s commitment to employee training has been impressive.

  3. Original: His loyalty to the company never wavered.
    Rewrite: His devotion to the company never wavered.

Answer:

Exercise 1:

  1. commitment
  2. commitment
  3. dedication
  4. commitment

Exercise 2:

  1. a) Commitment
  2. b) Commitment
  3. c) Indifference
  4. a) Responsibility
  5. a) Commitment

Exercise 3:

  1. She showed great commitment to finishing the project on time.
  2. The organization’s commitment to employee training has been impressive.
  3. His devotion to the company never wavered.

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