commitment

commitment

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Pronunciation

The IPA phonetic spelling for "commitment" is /kəˈmɪtmənt/.

Here's a breakdown of the sounds in each syllable:

• kə:

• /k/: Voiceless velar stop

• /ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)

• ˈmɪt:

• /m/: Bilabial nasal

• /ɪ/: Near-close near-front unrounded vowel (as in "kit")

• /t/: Voiceless alveolar stop

• mənt:

• /m/: Bilabial nasal

• /ə/: Schwa (mid-central vowel)

• /n/: Alveolar nasal

• /t/: Voiceless alveolar stop

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Word Form Variations

Commitment" is primarily a noun. It has related forms that function as other parts of speech.

Noun Forms:

• Singular: commitment (e.g., "His commitment to the project was unwavering.")

• Plural: commitments (e.g., "She has many family commitments this weekend.")

Related Forms:

• Verb: commit (e.g., "They decided to commit to the new strategy.")

• Adjective: committed (e.g., "He is a committed athlete.")

• Adverb: committedly (e.g., "She worked committedly on the task.")

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Noun Definitions

1. The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, or person; a promise or firm decision to do something.

• Synonyms: Dedication, devotion, allegiance, loyalty, pledge, promise, vow, obligation, undertaking, assurance

• Antonyms: Indifference, apathy, detachment, disloyalty, irresolution, hesitation, wavering, inconstancy

2. An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action.

• Synonyms: Obligation, duty, responsibility, engagement, appointment, task, chore

• Antonyms: Freedom, liberty, flexibility, leisure, free time

3. The act of sending someone to a prison or mental health institution.

• Synonyms: Incarceration, confinement, institutionalization, detention

• Antonyms: Release, discharge, liberation

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Examples of Use

Books 

• "Freedom is not the absence of commitment, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me." (Paulo Coelho, The Zahir, 2005)

• "His commitment to justice was unwavering, even in the face of grave danger." (Common in biographical or historical fiction)

Newspapers and Online Publications 

• "The government reiterated its commitment to reducing carbon emissions by 2030." (The Guardian)

• "Analysts question the firm's long-term commitment to the struggling market." (Bloomberg)

• "Finding work-life balance is crucial, especially with growing professional commitments." (Forbes, January 2024)

Entertainment Mediums and Platforms 

• Film: In Marriage Story (2019), a central theme revolves around the commitment and dissolution of a marital bond.

• Television: "We need a strong commitment from all team members to make this project a success." (A common line in business dramas or team-focused reality shows)

• Music: Many love songs feature lyrics about the depth of commitment between partners.

• Video Games: Role-playing games often require players to make commitments to different factions or storylines, influencing the game's outcome.

General Public Discourse 

• "Our relationship is built on trust and mutual commitment." (Everyday conversation about personal relationships)

• "I've got too many commitments this week to take on anything new." (Explaining a busy schedule)

• "His commitment to helping others is truly inspiring." (Commending someone's dedication)

• "The company showed a strong commitment to its employees during the pandemic." (Discussing corporate values)

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10 Quotes Using Commitment

1. "There is no abiding success without commitment." (Tony Robbins)

2. "Individual commitment to a group effort – that is what makes a team work, a company work, a society work, a civilization work." (Vince Lombardi)

3. "Unless commitment is made, there are only promises and hopes; but no plans." (Peter F. Drucker)

4. "Commitment is what transforms a promise into reality." (Abraham Lincoln)

5. "There's a difference between interest and commitment. When you're interested in doing something, you do it only when it's convenient. When you're committed to something, you accept no excuses – only results." (Ken Blanchard)

6. "It was character that got us out of bed, commitment that moved us into action, and discipline that enabled us to follow through." (Zig Ziglar)

7. "Freedom is not the absence of commitment, but the ability to choose – and commit myself to – what is best for me." (Paulo Coelho, The Zahir)

8. "You always have two choices: your commitment versus your fear." (Sammy Davis Jr.)

9. "Commitment is an act, not a word." (Jean-Paul Sartre)

10. "The quality of a person's life is in direct proportion to their commitment to excellence, regardless of their chosen field of endeavor." (Vince Lombardi)

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Etymology

The word "commitment" traces its origins back to the idea of "sending" or "bringing together."

It comes from the Latin verb "committere," which means "to unite," "to connect," or "to entrust." This Latin word is formed from "com-" (meaning "together" or "with") and "mittere" (meaning "to send").

So, at its root, "commit" (and thus "commitment") implies sending something together or entrusting something to someone or something else.

The first known use of "commitment" in English, around the late 14th century, was in the sense of "the act of entrusting or consigning (someone or something) to another," especially to custody, a formal body, or for a specific purpose. This older meaning is still seen today in legal terms like "commitment to prison" or "commitment to a mental institution." Over time, the meaning broadened to include the more common sense of dedication or obligation.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Commitment

• Show commitment: To demonstrate dedication or loyalty.

• Example: "The team needs to show commitment to win the championship."

• Long-term commitment: A dedication or obligation that is intended to last for a significant period.

• Example: "Buying a house is a long-term commitment."

• Lack of commitment: An absence of dedication or strong resolve.

• Example: "Their project failed due to a lack of commitment from key members."

• Commitment to excellence: A strong dedication to achieving the highest standards.

• Example: "The company prides itself on its commitment to excellence."

• Make a commitment: To promise or formally dedicate oneself to something.

• Example: "They decided to make a commitment to each other by getting engaged."

• Full commitment: Complete and unreserved dedication.

• Example: "Achieving success requires your full commitment."

• Bound by commitment: Obligated by a promise or duty.

• Example: "He felt bound by commitment to finish the task."

• Duty-bound: (Using a synonym, "duty," to mean obligated or committed).

• Example: "As a doctor, she felt duty-bound to help."

• Pledge allegiance: (Using a synonym, "pledge," to signify a strong commitment or loyalty).

• Example: "Citizens pledge allegiance to their country."

• Stick to one's guns: (An idiom implying steadfast commitment to one's beliefs or plans, even when facing opposition).

• Example: "Despite criticism, she stuck to her guns on the research findings."

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of commitment from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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