Words / B2

k-uh-MITM-uh-nt/kəˈmɪtmənt/

A commitment is a promise to do something, or the dedicated effort you put in: a commitment of time, a commitment to fairness. Promise is everyday for the first sense; dedication is close for the second. Commit is the verb (commit to a plan; also commit a crime — a different sense). In speech, a promise or real effort is enough. Do not use commitment as a vague compliment (“great commitment”) when you mean they simply turned up.

Meaning

A promise to do something, or the hard work you put into it.

Examples

• “The course needs a real commitment of time.”
• “Evening classes need a commitment of two nights a week.”
• “His commitment to the team showed in extra training, not in slogans.”

Good to know

A promise, or dedicated effort. Verb: commit to. Everyday: promise / dedication. Also: commit a crime (different sense).

Near in meaning

dedication

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