Commitment vs. Dedication — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 26, 2023
Commitment refers to a binding obligation or pledge to do something, while Dedication signifies devoted enthusiasm or zeal for a task or purpose.
Difference Between Commitment and Dedication
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Commitment and Dedication, while closely related in intent, diverge in their specific connotations and applications. Both are essential for achieving success, but their underlying significance differs.
Commitment indicates a promise or a firm decision to achieve something or stick to particular values. It is often associated with a sense of duty or obligation. On the other hand, Dedication pertains to the passion and unwavering devotion one exhibits toward a cause or task.
While Commitment might involve external factors or pressures, such as contracts or societal expectations, Dedication stems from an intrinsic motivation. It is the internal drive that pushes an individual to go the extra mile, often beyond what is expected.
Comparison Chart
Root Source
Often stems from obligation or promise.
Typically arises from personal passion or zeal.
Duration
Can be temporary based on conditions.
Tends to be long-lasting due to intrinsic motivation.
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Main Drive
External factors or duties.
Internal enthusiasm and love for the task.
Nature
More about making a pledge or promise.
More about the consistent effort in honoring that promise.
Influence
Affected by external changes or shifts in priorities.
Remains steadfast, driven by inner passion.
Compare with Definitions
Commitment
A pledge or promise to do something.
Her Commitment to the project ensured its success.
Dedication
The act of dedicating something, such as a monument.
The Dedication ceremony was heartfelt.
Commitment
The state of being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action.
His Commitment to the cause was unwavering.
Dedication
Focused persistence and effort in doing something.
Years of Dedication finally led to her breakthrough.
Commitment
A binding agreement or obligation.
They made a Commitment to meet the deadline.
Dedication
A note prefixed to a work as a tribute to someone.
The book had a Dedication to his late mentor.
Commitment
An act of referring something for consideration or decision.
The case saw a Commitment to the higher court.
Dedication
Setting apart something for a sacred use.
The church was open after its Dedication.
Commitment
The state or quality of being dedicated to a cause, activity, etc.
The company's commitment to quality
I could not fault my players for commitment
Dedication
Dedication is the act of consecrating an altar, temple, church, or other sacred building. It also refers to the inscription of books or other artifacts when these are specifically addressed or presented to a particular person.
Commitment
An engagement or obligation that restricts freedom of action
With so many business commitments time for recreation was limited
Dedication
The quality of being dedicated or committed to a task or purpose
His dedication to his duties
Commitment
The act of referring a legislative bill to committee.
Dedication
The action of dedicating a church or other building
The dedication of a new city church
Commitment
Official consignment, as to a prison or mental health facility.
Dedication
The act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated.
Commitment
A court order authorizing consignment to a prison.
Dedication
A note prefixed to a literary, artistic, or musical composition dedicating it to someone in token of affection or esteem.
Commitment
A pledge or obligation, as to follow a certain course of action
A public official's commitment to uphold the Constitution.
Dedication
A rite or ceremony of dedicating.
Commitment
Something pledged, especially an engagement by contract involving financial obligation.
Dedication
Selfless devotion
Served the public with dedication and integrity.
Commitment
The state of being emotionally or intellectually devoted, as to a belief, a course of action, or another person
A profound commitment to the family.
Dedication
(uncountable) The act of dedicating or the state of being dedicated.
Work with dedication
Commitment
The act or an instance of committing, putting in charge, keeping, or trust, especially:
Dedication
(countable) A note addressed to a patron or friend, prefixed to a work of art as a token of respect, esteem, or affection.
Commitment
The act of sending a legislative bill to committee for review.
Dedication
(countable) A ceremony marking an official completion or opening.
Commitment
Official consignment sending a person to prison or a mental health institution.
Dedication
(legal) The deliberate or negligent surrender of all rights to property.
Commitment
Promise or agreement to do something in the future, especially:
Dedication
The act of setting apart or consecrating to a divine Being, or to a sacred use, often with religious solemnities; solemn appropriation; as, the dedication of Solomon's temple.
Commitment
Act of assuming a financial obligation at a future date.
Dedication
A devoting or setting aside for any particular purpose; as, a dedication of lands to public use.
Commitment
Being bound emotionally or intellectually to a course of action or to another person or persons.
Dedication
An address to a patron or friend, prefixed to a book, testifying respect, and often recommending the work to his special protection and favor.
Commitment
The trait of sincerity and focused purpose.
Dedication
Complete and wholehearted fidelity
Commitment
Perpetration as in a crime or mistake.
Dedication
A ceremony in which something (as a building) is dedicated to some goal or purpose
Commitment
State of being pledged or engaged.
Dedication
A message that makes a pledge
Commitment
The act of being locked away, such as in an institution for the mentally ill or in jail.
Dedication
A short message (as in a book or musical work or on a photograph) dedicating it to someone or something
Commitment
The act of committing, or putting in charge, keeping, or trust; consignment; esp., the act of committing to prison.
They were glad to compound for his bare commitment to the Tower, whence he was within few days enlarged.
Dedication
The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
His long commitment to public service
They felt no loyalty to a losing team
Commitment
A warrant or order for the imprisonment of a person; - more frequently termed a mittimus.
Dedication
Devotion and loyalty to a cause or task.
Her Dedication to the job was evident in her results.
Commitment
The act of referring or intrusting to a committee for consideration and report; as, the commitment of a petition or a bill.
Commitment
A doing, or perpetration, in a bad sense, as of a crime or blunder; commission.
Commitment
The act of pledging or engaging; the act of exposing, endangering, or compromising; also, the state of being pledged or engaged.
Commitment
The trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose;
A man of energy and commitment
Commitment
The act of binding yourself (intellectually or emotionally) to a course of action;
His long commitment to public service
They felt no loyalty to a losing team
Commitment
An engagement by contract involving financial obligation;
His business commitments took him to London
Commitment
A message that makes a pledge
Commitment
The official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
Commitment
Engaging oneself to be married.
Their Commitment was celebrated with an engagement party.
Common Curiosities
Can you have Dedication without Commitment?
Yes, one can have intrinsic motivation (Dedication) without an external promise (Commitment).
Is Commitment always long-lasting?
Not necessarily, Commitments can change based on situations.
Can you be committed without being dedicated?
Yes, one can fulfill an obligation (Commitment) without intrinsic passion (Dedication).
Which is driven by internal passion?
Dedication is typically driven by internal passion.
Which stems from obligation?
Commitment often arises from obligation or promise.
Can Commitment be influenced by external factors?
Yes, Commitment can change based on external situations.
What are Commitment and Dedication?
Commitment is a promise or obligation, while Dedication is devoted enthusiasm for a task.
Can Dedication be temporary?
While Dedication is usually steadfast, it can wane if one's passion changes.
Is Dedication always voluntary?
Dedication is typically voluntary, stemming from one's passion.
What signifies a deeper personal connection to a task?
Dedication signifies a deeper, personal connection.
Which is more about making a promise?
Commitment is about pledging or promising.
Can one be forced into Dedication?
Not truly, as Dedication arises from internal motivation.
Are both essential for success?
Both can contribute to success, but the combination of Commitment and Dedication is especially powerful.
Does Dedication always imply hard work?
Dedication implies consistent effort and passion, which often means hard work.
Which one is about honoring a pledge with effort?
Dedication involves honoring pledges with persistent effort.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
