dedicatory

This book has a dedicatory page at the front.

Definition

1. Adjective:
   • Relating to a dedication: "dedicatory" describes something that is intended as or serves as a dedication, typically in the context of a book, work of art, performance, or ceremony. It refers to the act of formally setting something apart for a particular purpose or person.

Usage Examples

• (A preface that serves as a dedication.)
• (An inscription that dedicates the statue to someone.)
• (A speech that formally dedicates the building.)

Advanced Usage

• "Dedicatory letter": A letter that serves as a formal dedication, often found at the beginning of a book.

  • The dedicatory letter expressed deep gratitude to the patron. (A letter written to dedicate the work to a supporter.)

• "Dedicatory ceremony": A formal event where something is dedicated, such as a building or monument.

  • The dedicatory ceremony for the war memorial was attended by hundreds of veterans. (A ceremony that formally dedicates the memorial.)

Variants and Related Words

• Dedicate (verb): to set apart for a specific purpose or to inscribe a work to someone.

  • He dedicated his novel to his wife. (He formally assigned the work to her.)

• Dedication (noun): the act of dedicating or the words used in a dedication.

  • The dedication at the front of the book was heartfelt. (The dedicatory text.)

• Dedicatory (adjective): the exact word being defined, used to modify nouns like "note," "poem," or "plaque."

Synonyms

• Commemorative: serving to honor or remember someone or something.
• Honorific: intended to show respect or honor.
• Inscriptional: relating to an inscription that dedicates something.

Related Idioms

• "To pay homage": to show respect or honor, similar to the purpose of a dedicatory act.

  • The dedicatory plaque pays homage to the soldiers who died. (The plaque honors them.)

• "To set apart": to reserve something for a special purpose, akin to dedication.

  • The dedicatory ceremony set the building apart for community use. (It formally reserved it.)

Phrasal Verbs

• Dedicate to: to commit something to a particular purpose or person.
  • They dedicated the new wing to the school's founder. (They formally assigned it.)

Note: "Dedicatory" is a less common, more formal adjective than "dedicational" (which is also rare). It is primarily used in literary, ceremonial, or artistic contexts.