dedicate
Definitions
To give all of your time, effort, or attention to something
致力于，献身于
To formally set something apart for a special purpose; to address a book or work to someone as a tribute
为…举行落成典礼；把（作品）题献给
Root Breakdown
Root-derivedFrom Latin dedicāre (de- 'fully, down' + dicāre 'to proclaim'). To dedicate originally meant to 'proclaim solemnly' that something is set apart — a temple was dedicated by formally declaring it sacred. From 'declare set apart' came two senses: to devote yourself fully to a cause, and to inscribe a book as a formal tribute.
Root dic still carries 82 more wordsWhy It Means This
On the dicāre branch with indicate and abdicate. The core image is a solemn pronouncement that something is now set apart — devoted. When you dedicate your life to medicine, you are 'declaring' it reserved for that purpose; when an author dedicates a book to a parent, they make a formal spoken tribute on the page.
Common Collocations
- 1.dedicate to献身于
- 2.dedicate oneself to全身心投入
- 3.dedicate a book著作献词
Example Sentences
- 1.
She decided to dedicate her life to helping refugees.
- 2.
He dedicated his first novel to his late mother.
- 3.
The new hospital wing was dedicated in a small ceremony.