commitment
HighFormal to neutral
Definition
Meaning
A promise or firm decision to do something; the state of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or relationship.
An obligation or responsibility that restricts freedom of action; the process of sending someone to an institution (e.g., psychiatric hospital, prison); in finance, an agreement to provide funds in the future.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a binding promise or a state of being emotionally or intellectually dedicated. Often involves sacrifice or sustained effort. Can refer to a specific promise (countable) or the quality of being dedicated (uncountable).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning. In legal/medical contexts, 'commitment' for involuntary institutionalisation is more common in US legal terminology.
Connotations
Equally strong connotations of duty and obligation in both varieties.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American business and self-help contexts.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
commitment to + noun/gerund (commitment to excellence)commitment from + person/organisationcommitment of + resource (time, money)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Show commitment”
- “Lack commitment”
- “Honour one's commitment”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to agreements, resource allocation, and employee dedication. 'The company secured a financial commitment from investors.'
Academic
Describes sustained intellectual engagement. 'Her research demonstrates a deep commitment to understanding climate change.'
Everyday
Used for relationships, hobbies, and promises. 'I can't join the football team this year due to other commitments.'
Technical
In computing: a 'database commit' finalises a transaction. In law: a court-ordered institutionalisation.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The council committed to funding the new leisure centre.
- He committed himself fully to the project.
American English
- The company committed to hiring 100 new employees.
- She committed to volunteering every weekend.
adverb
British English
- She worked committedly on the proposal for weeks.
- He listened committedly to their concerns.
American English
- The team played committedly despite the loss.
- She studies committedly for her exams.
adjective
British English
- She is a committed member of the local choir.
- They are committed environmentalists.
American English
- He is a committed advocate for healthcare reform.
- They are a committed couple.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- I have a commitment to visit my grandma on Sunday.
- His commitment to the team is strong.
- The job requires a long-term commitment and regular travel.
- They made a commitment to reduce plastic waste.
- Her unwavering commitment to social justice inspired her colleagues.
- The financial commitment involved in buying a house is substantial.
- The treaty represents a binding commitment to reduce carbon emissions by 45%.
- His philosophical commitment to utilitarianism informed all his policy decisions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of COMING to a MIT (meeting) with a MENT (mind) made up. You arrive at a meeting with a firm decision already in mind.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMITMENT IS A BOND/TIE (ties that bind, break a commitment), COMMITMENT IS A JOURNEY (long-term commitment).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as 'коммитмент' (anglicism). Use 'обязательство', 'преданность', or 'вовлечённость' depending on context. The Russian 'коммитмент' is a business loan term, not general usage.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'commitment' for trivial promises ('I have a commitment to buy milk' – use 'I need to buy milk'). Confusing 'commitment' (noun) with 'committed' (adjective).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'commitment' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It can be both. As a promise/obligation, it's countable ('I have three commitments this week'). As the quality of being dedicated, it's uncountable ('She shows great commitment').
A 'promise' is a spoken or written assurance. 'Commitment' implies a deeper, often longer-term dedication that may involve ongoing action and sacrifice.
Yes, it can imply a restrictive obligation ('The mortgage is a 25-year commitment') or, in legal contexts, involuntary confinement ('court-ordered commitment').
'To' is most common ('commitment to a cause', 'commitment to doing something'). 'From' indicates the source ('We need a commitment from management'), and 'of' indicates the resource ('a commitment of time').
Collections
Part of a collection
Relationships
B1 · 49 words · Vocabulary for interpersonal and social connections.
Workplace Vocabulary
B1 · 48 words · Professional language for the working environment.
Leadership and Management
B2 · 46 words · Language for leading teams and managing organizations.
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