Definition

1. Noun:
   • A promise or firm decision to do something: A "commitment" is a pledge or a dedicated intention to carry out a specific action or to support a particular cause, person, or activity.
   • The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or person: It refers to the dedication, loyalty, or emotional/intellectual investment one shows.
   • An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action: A "commitment" can be a responsibility or duty, often involving time or resources, that one has agreed to.
   • The act of officially sending someone to a place (like a prison or hospital): In formal or legal contexts, it is the action of consigning a person to an institution.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • She made a commitment to exercise three times a week. (She promised herself to do it.)
  • His commitment to his family is unwavering. (His dedication to his family is strong.)
  • I have a prior commitment on Friday evening. (I have a pre-arranged obligation.)
  • The judge ordered the commitment of the defendant to a psychiatric facility. (The judge ordered the defendant's consignment.)

Advanced Usage

• "To show commitment": to demonstrate dedication or loyalty.
  • Employees who show commitment are often promoted.
• "A long-term commitment": a promise or obligation that extends over a long period.
  • Getting a pet is a long-term commitment.
• "To honor one's commitment": to fulfill a promise or obligation.
  • Despite difficulties, she honored her commitment to finish the project.

Variants and Related Words

• Commit (verb): To pledge, dedicate, or carry out an action (e.g., , ).
• Committed (adjective): Dedicated and loyal (e.g., ).
• Non-commitment (noun): Lack of commitment or a refusal to make a promise.

Synonyms

• Dedication: The quality of being devoted to a task or purpose.
• Pledge: A solemn promise or undertaking.
• Obligation: A duty or commitment.
• Loyalty: A strong feeling of support or allegiance.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Commit to: To pledge or dedicate oneself to something.
  • You must commit to the process to see results.
• Commit oneself: To bind oneself to a course of action.
  • He committed himself to helping the community.

Related Idioms

• A commitment-phobe: (Informal) A person who is afraid of making long-term commitments, especially in relationships.
  • He's such a commitment-phobe; he never wants to plan anything in advance.
• Tied down by commitments: To feel restricted or limited by one's obligations.
  • She feels tied down by her work commitments and can't travel.

Noun

1. the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
2. a message that makes a pledge
3. an engagement by contract involving financial obligation
   • his business commitments took him to London
4. the act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action
   • his long commitment to public service
   • they felt no loyalty to a losing team
5. the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose
   • a man of energy and commitment