# dedicate

Pronunciation: say "DED-i-kayt" /ˈdɛdɪˌkeɪt/

## Verb

1. To devote oneself fully to an aim, activity, or way of thinking.
   - Simple: To give all your time and effort to a goal or cause.
   - _Volunteers dedicate countless hours to the relief effort each season._
   - _He dedicated himself entirely to the study of ancient languages._
2. To set something apart for a particular special use.
   - Simple: To save something for one special purpose only.
   - _Several departments dedicate part of their budget to staff training._
   - _The trust dedicated its largest hall to the rare manuscripts._
3. To address or inscribe a creative work to another person as a mark of respect or affection.
   - Simple: To write a short note in a book or song to honor someone you care about.
   - _The poet dedicated her collection to the mentor who first encouraged her._
   - _Composers sometimes dedicate symphonies to their patrons._
4. To formally open a building or structure for public use.
   - Simple: To officially open a new building so that people can use it.
   - _Local leaders dedicate new public spaces almost every year._
   - _The governor dedicated the restored courthouse last fall._
5. To consecrate something to a god or reserve it for religious use.
   - Simple: To set something apart for a god or for holy use.
   - _The bishop dedicated the chapel to Saint Anne._
   - _Worshippers gather to dedicate the shrine before the festival._
6. To present something to the public for the first time.
   - Simple: To show something new to people for the very first time.
   - _The museum dedicated its newest exhibit at a crowded first showing._
   - _Each year they dedicate a fresh installation that no one has yet seen._

## Noun

Pronunciation: say "DED-i-kit" /ˈdɛdɪkɪt/

7. A person who has committed themselves, or has been committed, to the service of a leader, religion, or similar cause.
   - Simple: A person who gives themselves fully to the service of a leader or faith.
   - _The coven initiated a new dedicate at the solstice gathering._
   - _Dedicates of the temple rose before dawn to begin their devotions._

## Adjective

Pronunciation: say "DED-i-kit" /ˈdɛdɪkɪt/

8. Set apart or devoted; given over to a person, purpose, or sacred use. *(obsolete)*
   - Simple: Given over fully to a special or holy purpose.

## Origin

**Meanings 1–6** — From Middle English dedicaten, based on the form dedicate plus the verb-forming suffix -en. This comes from Latin dēdicātus, the perfect passive participle of dēdicō ("to dedicate, proclaim").
**Meanings 7–8** — From Middle English dedicate ("dedicated"), also used as the past participle of dedicaten, with the adjective-forming suffix -ate. The noun form comes from Latin dēdicātus.

Source: DictionaryAI, https://dictionaryai.com/define/dedicate (written from Wiktionary data, CC BY-SA 4.0: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/).