What is dedication? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of dedication

dedicationnoun

/ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn//ˌdedɪˈkeɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "dedication" in English. It's a bit of a tricky word! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word is broken down into three syllables:

  • de - (like "day")
  • di - (like "dee")
  • ca - (like "cah")
  • tion - (like "shun")

2. Sound Breakdown & Emphasis:

  • de - Say this as you would the word "day."
  • di - A short, clear "dee" sound.
  • ca - Pronounce this like the word "cah." Don't use a "k" sound.
  • tion - This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "shun." It's not like "t-ay-shun." Focus on the "shun" sound.

3. Putting it Together:

When you say it all together, it sounds like:

"dee-day-cah-shun"

Tips for Practicing:

  • Slow it down: Practice each syllable separately before trying to say the whole word.
  • Listen to examples: The best way to get the rhythm and pronunciation right is to hear it. You can easily find audio pronunciations on:

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Focus on a specific part of the word (like the "tion" syllable)?

Usage and examples with the word dedication in English

Let's break down how to use the word "dedication" in English. It's a versatile word with several related meanings. Here's a breakdown with examples:

1. As a Noun (the core meaning):

  • Meaning: A strong commitment to a person, task, or cause; devotion. It refers to willingly giving time, effort, and energy.
  • Examples:
    • "Her dedication to her patients was truly remarkable." (She was deeply committed to her patients.)
    • "The team’s dedication to winning the championship was evident in their training." (They were extremely determined to win.)
    • "He showed great dedication to his research, working long hours every day." (He was highly committed to his work.)
    • "The museum’s dedication to preserving historical artifacts is admirable." (The museum is devoted to preservation.)

2. As a Verb (less common, but important):

  • Meaning: To devote; to commit oneself to.
  • Examples:
    • “She dedicated her life to helping children.” (She devoted her life…)
    • “The author dedicated the book to his late wife.” (The author dedicated the book…)
    • "The concert was dedicated to peace." (The concert was devoted to the cause of peace.)

3. As a Part of Phrases:

  • “Dedication Ceremony”: A formal event to honor someone or something, often expressing gratitude or commitment. (Example: "The company held a dedication ceremony for their new headquarters.")
  • "Dedication to...": This phrase emphasizes a specific area of commitment. (Example: “He has a strong dedication to environmental conservation.”)
  • "A matter of dedication": Something that requires a great deal of commitment and effort. (Example: “Raising a family is a matter of dedication.”)

4. Related Concepts and Synonyms:

  • Commitment: Closely related, emphasizing a decision to do something.
  • Devotion: Suggests deep love and loyalty.
  • Passion: Implies a strong enthusiasm.
  • Zeal: Indicates energetic enthusiasm.
  • Loyalty: Highlights faithfulness and support.

Tips for Using "Dedication" Effectively:

  • Context is Key: The specific nuance of "dedication" will depend on the context. Consider what you want to emphasize – the effort, the commitment, the devotion, or the purpose.
  • Show, Don’t Just Tell: Instead of simply saying "He has dedication," describe the actions that demonstrate his dedication. (“He volunteered every weekend at the animal shelter.”)

Resources for Further Learning:

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

  • What is the context in which you want to use the word "dedication"? (e.g., writing an essay, having a conversation, describing a person, etc.)

Synonyms for the word dedication

Practice with vocabulary dedication

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Her unwavering ___ to public service earned her widespread respect throughout the community.
  2. The startup's success was largely attributed to the team's collective ___ to innovation and problem-solving.
  3. Despite numerous setbacks, their remarkable ___ allowed them to eventually launch their groundbreaking product.
  4. The board expressed its strong ___ to the company's long-term sustainability goals during the annual meeting.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which of the following words best describes a profound and consistent commitment to a particular task or purpose? a) indifference b) reluctance c) dedication d) procrastination

  2. To excel in a challenging academic program, students must exhibit: a) occasional interest b) innate brilliance c) unwavering dedication d) consistent diligence

  3. Effective leadership in a crisis often demands: a) indecisiveness b) clear communication c) steadfast dedication to the team d) strategic thinking

  4. Despite numerous obstacles, her unyielding ___ allowed her to pursue her research project to completion. a) hesitation b) perseverance c) complacency d) disinterest

  5. When analyzing complex financial data, it is crucial to pay close ___ to small details to avoid errors. a) disregard b) attention c) objection d) confusion

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He worked tirelessly for many years to advance the cause of environmental protection. (Rewrite using "dedication")
  2. The team was very committed to finishing the project ahead of schedule. (Rewrite using a form of "dedication")
  3. She always puts in a lot of effort to ensure her tasks are completed to the highest standard. (Rewrite using a suitable replacement word, not "dedication")

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

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

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. c) dedication
  2. c) unwavering dedication, d) consistent diligence
  3. b) clear communication, c) steadfast dedication to the team, d) strategic thinking
  4. b) perseverance
  5. b) attention

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. His tireless work over many years demonstrated his deep dedication to advancing environmental protection.
  2. The team was dedicated to completing the project ahead of schedule.
  3. She consistently shows great diligence in ensuring her tasks are completed to the highest standard.

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