to give most of your time, energy, or attention to a particular activity, goal, or cause because you believe it is important
After graduating, Maria dedicated herself to teaching children in remote villages.
The scientist dedicates long hours each night to searching for a cure for the rare disease.
✦ From Latin ‘dedicare’ meaning ‘to proclaim, to devote’.
to set aside money, space, or another resource for a particular purpose
The city council dedicated extra funds to repairing the old playground.
She dedicated a spare room in her house to painting and turned it into a bright studio.
to say or write that a book, song, or other creative work is meant to honor or thank someone
The author dedicated her first novel to her late grandmother.
He dedicates every song on the album to his loyal fans.
to hold a formal ceremony to officially open a building, monument, or public place in honor of someone or something
The mayor dedicated the new bridge with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Next week, officials will dedicate the restored museum to local history.
complete and wholehearted devotion to a cause, ideal, or task.
His dedication to training helped him win the marathon.
She showed great dedication to her studies during exam week.
✦ From late Middle English dedicacioun, borrowed from Latin dēdicātiōnem, accusative of dēdicātiō (“a proclaiming, devoting, consecration”), from dēdicō (“I declare, devote, consecrate, dedicate”).
the act or ceremony of officially opening or setting something apart for a special purpose.
The dedication of the new library was attended by the mayor.
They held a dedication ceremony for the memorial statue.
an inscription or statement dedicating a book, artwork, or similar to a person, usually expressing affection or gratitude.
The novel opened with a heartfelt dedication to her mentor.
He wrote a touching dedication on the photo album for his wife.
