dedication

The willingness to give a lot of time and effort to something you care about.

• This job takes dedication.
• His dedication to training helped him win.
• The team showed great dedication throughout the season.

How to use it: dedication to something/doing something (Her dedication to helping children is impressive.)

Similar words: commitment, devotion

Opposites: apathy

Common phrases: show dedication, dedication to something, hard work and dedication, work with dedication

A short message at the start of a book or other work, expressing love or respect for someone.

• The book has a lovely dedication.
• He wrote a dedication to his wife.
• Did you read the dedication on the first page?

How to use it: dedication to someone (The book opens with a dedication to her parents.)

Common phrases: book dedication, dedication to someone, write a dedication

The act or ceremony of setting something aside for God or religious use.

• The church dedication took place on Sunday.
• A bishop led the dedication of the new altar.
• The temple's dedication brought together hundreds of worshippers.

How to use it: dedication of something to someone/something (They celebrated the dedication of the chapel to Saint Anne.)

Similar words: consecration

Common phrases: church dedication, dedication ceremony, dedication of something