B1 2K

Dedicate

UK //ˈdɛdɪkeɪt// US //ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪt// Pronunciation

Definition

To set apart for a specific use or purpose.

Listen to definition

In simple words: To commit something to a particular purpose or person.

Examples

• She decided to dedicate her life to helping others.
• The book is dedicated to my parents.
• He dedicates his evenings to studying.

Usage notes

Used when talking about giving time, effort, or resources to a cause or person. More common in formal contexts, like speeches or ceremonies.

Grammar pattern

dedicate + object + to + object

Memory hint

Think of 'dedicate' as 'de-icate' — imagine dedicating a cake at a special event.

Collocations

• dedicate time
• dedicate resources
• dedicate a book
• dedicate efforts
• dedicate a song

Synonyms

• devote
• commit
• allocate
• assign
• dispense

Antonyms

• desecrate
• disregard

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'devote', which has a similar but slightly different meaning.
• Omitting 'to' when stating the purpose or person.
• Incorrectly using the word in an informal context.