commitment

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/kəˈmɪtmənt/
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A promise or duty that binds future action, a lasting dedication to someone or something, and in formal use an order or act of committing a person or matter.
Practice using commitment in conversation until it feels natural

Examples

  • The mayor made a public commitment to repair the bridge.
  • Civil commitment requires review by the court.
  • The prison received the commitment papers that afternoon.
  • The committee clerk recorded the bill's commitment for review.
  • The charity asked for a monthly commitment from donors.

Similar words

consignment
devotionassurance
detention
fidelity
resolve
responsibility
referral
remand
pledge

Meanings

Promise or obligation

noun
everyday
neutral
A promise, duty, or responsibility that ties someone to future action, money, time, or care.

Examples

  • The charity asked for a monthly commitment from donors.
  • Buying a house is a serious financial commitment.
  • I have a family commitment on Friday night.
  • The mayor made a public commitment to repair the bridge.
  • Before joining the board, she considered the time commitment.
  • The contract records each party's commitment to deliver materials.

Similar words

pledge
promise
obligation
undertaking
assurance
responsibility

Dedication and loyalty

noun
personal
neutral
Steady loyalty to a person, belief, job, or cause, shown by sustained effort rather than a single promise.

Examples

  • Her commitment to teaching shaped the whole school.
  • The volunteers showed real commitment during the flood.
  • His commitment to the team never wavered.
  • The campaign depends on public commitment to cleaner energy.
  • Years of practice proved her commitment to the violin.
  • The group admired his quiet commitment to justice.

Similar words

dedication
devotionloyalty
resolve
steadfastness
fidelity

Official committing

noun
legal
formal
The formal act or order that sends someone to prison, hospital, or treatment, or that refers a matter for official consideration.

Examples

  • The judge signed a commitment order after the hearing.
  • The statute sets rules for involuntary commitment.
  • The lawyer challenged the patient's commitment in court.
  • The prison received the commitment papers that afternoon.
  • Civil commitment requires review by the court.
  • The committee clerk recorded the bill's commitment for review.

Similar words

committal
confinement
consignment
remand
detention
referral

Etymology

Built from commit and the noun-forming suffix -ment, with early use for the act of committing someone or something to a charge, custody, or trust.

FAQ

What does commitment mean?

Commitment means a serious promise, duty, or lasting dedication to someone or something.

Is commitment always about relationships?

No. Commitment can describe relationships, work, money, contracts, public promises, and formal legal orders.

What is a financial commitment?

A financial commitment is a promise or obligation to pay, invest, or support something with money.

What does commitment mean in law?

In law, commitment can mean an order or process that places someone in prison, hospital, or treatment.

Can commitment mean dedication?

Yes. Commitment often means steady loyalty or effort toward a job, belief, person, or cause.

Is commitment the same as commit in software?

No. Version control normally uses commit as the noun, not commitment.

Which preposition follows commitment?

Commitment to is the normal pattern, as in commitment to safety or commitment to pay.

What are synonyms for commitment?

Depending on the sense, synonyms include pledge, promise, obligation, dedication, devotion, and loyalty.

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