Dedicated vs. Dedicate — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 8, 2024
"Dedicated" is an adjective describing something devoted to a particular task or purpose, while "dedicate" is a verb meaning to commit or assign to a specific function or cause.
Difference Between Dedicated and Dedicate
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Key Differences
"Dedicated" serves as an adjective, used to describe someone or something committed to a cause, activity, or job with a high level of commitment and purpose. On the other hand, "dedicate" is a verb that involves the action of committing, devoting, or assigning someone or something to a particular task, purpose, or honor.
When you say a person is "dedicated," you are highlighting their loyalty and unwavering focus on their responsibilities or beliefs. In contrast, to "dedicate" oneself or something implies the initial act or decision to commit, suggesting a moment or process of dedication rather than an ongoing state.
"Dedicated" often describes objects or facilities specifically designed for a particular purpose, such as a dedicated computer server, indicating exclusivity in function. "Dedicate," however, involves the act of formally dedicating such objects or facilities, often through a ceremony or explicit declaration.
In usage, "dedicated" can also imply a sense of specialization or having a specific purpose, not necessarily linked to an emotional or personal commitment. Meanwhile, "dedicate" can carry a more emotional or ceremonial connotation, emphasizing the importance of the commitment being made.
The term "dedicated" may also describe a quality of being earnest and committed in one's duties or pursuits. Conversely, "dedicate" can be used in a broad sense, from dedicating a book to someone as a mark of honor to dedicating time and effort towards achieving a goal, reflecting a wide range of actions and commitments.
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Comparison Chart
Part of Speech
Adjective
Verb
Definition
Describes something or someone devoted to a particular task or purpose
To commit or assign to a specific function, task, or cause
Usage
Indicates an ongoing state of commitment or specialization
Indicates the action of committing or assigning
Connotation
Can imply exclusivity in function or earnestness in dedication
Often carries a more formal, emotional, or ceremonial connotation
Examples
A dedicated server; a dedicated athlete
To dedicate a park to a community leader; to dedicate time to study
Compare with Definitions
Dedicated
Devoted to a cause or activity.
She is a dedicated volunteer at the animal shelter.
Dedicate
To commit to a specific purpose.
They plan to dedicate the new park next month.
Dedicated
Specifically designed for a purpose.
The facility boasts a dedicated fiber-optic network.
Dedicate
To earmark for a specific use.
The funds were dedicated to improving local schools.
Dedicated
Loyal and steadfast.
He’s been a dedicated supporter of the team for years.
Dedicate
To assign formally.
The author decided to dedicate her book to her mentor.
Dedicated
Exclusive in function.
This software runs on dedicated hardware.
Dedicate
To devote effort or resources.
He dedicated his life to scientific research.
Dedicated
Showing earnest commitment.
His dedicated efforts were crucial to the project's success.
Dedicate
To perform a ceremonial act of dedication.
The community will dedicate a monument to the heroes.
Dedicated
Devoted to a task or purpose
A team of dedicated doctors
Dedicate
Devote (time or effort) to a particular task or purpose
Joan has dedicated her life to animals
Dedicated
Exclusively allocated to or intended for a particular purpose
A dedicated high-speed rail link from the Channel Tunnel
Dedicate
To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.
Dedicated
Wholly committed to a particular course of thought or action; devoted
A dedicated musician.
Dedicate
To set apart for a special use
Dedicated their money to scientific research.
Dedicated
Designed for a particular use or function
The fax machine is connected to a dedicated landline.
Dedicate
To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action
Dedicated ourselves to starting our own business.
Dedicated
Devoted; loyal; conscientious.
Dedicate
To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection.
Dedicated
Used or intended for a particular purpose
Dedicate
To open (a building, for example) to public use.
Dedicated
Simple past tense and past participle of dedicate
Dedicate
To show to the public for the first time
Dedicate a monument.
Dedicated
Wholly committed to a purpose or cause; as, a dedicated musician.
Dedicate
(transitive) To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.
Dedicated
Zealous in loyalty or affection; as, dedicated nurses.
Dedicate
(transitive) To set apart for a special use
Dedicated their money to scientific research.
Dedicated
Set apart especially for a higher purpose; as, a life dedicated to science.
Dedicate
(transitive) To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action
Dedicated ourselves to starting our own business.
Dedicated
Devoted to a cause or ideal or purpose;
A dedicated dancer
Dedicated teachers
Dedicated to the proposition that all men are created equal
Dedicate
(transitive) To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection.
Dedicate
(transitive) To open (a building, for example) to public use.
Dedicate
(transitive) To show to the public for the first time
Dedicate a monument.
Dedicate
(obsolete) Dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.
Dedicate
One who dedicates themself, or who is dedicated, to the service of some leader, religion, etc.
Dedicate
Dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.
Dedicate
To set apart and consecrate, as to a divinity, or for sacred uses; to devote formally and solemnly; as, to dedicate vessels, treasures, a temple, or a church, to a religious use.
Vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, . . . which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. . . . But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground.
Dedicate
To devote, set apart, or give up, as one's self, to a duty or service.
The profession of a soldier, to which he had dedicated himself.
Dedicate
To inscribe or address, as to a patron.
He complied ten elegant books, and dedicated them to the Lord Burghley.
Dedicate
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Dedicate
Open to public use, as of a highway, park, or building;
The Beauty Queen spends her time dedicating parks and nursing homes
Dedicate
Inscribe or address by way of compliment;
She dedicated her book to her parents
Dedicate
Set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites, of a church
Common Curiosities
How do you use dedicate in a sentence?
You can use "dedicate" to describe the action of committing something or someone to a specific purpose, e.g., "She decided to dedicate her time to learning a new language."
Can objects be dedicated?
In a manner of speaking, objects can be "dedicated" when they are designed for a specific function, but the term more accurately applies to the act of dedicating them for a particular purpose.
What does it mean to be dedicated?
Being dedicated means showing a high level of commitment and devotion to a specific task, cause, or role.
Is dedicated a positive attribute?
Yes, being described as "dedicated" is generally a positive attribute, indicating commitment, loyalty, and earnestness.
What does it mean to dedicate a book?
To dedicate a book means to formally assign it to someone as a mark of honor or respect, often noted in the book’s dedication page.
Can you dedicate yourself to a hobby?
Yes, you can dedicate yourself to a hobby, meaning you commit time and effort to engage in and improve upon that hobby.
What is the difference between dedicated and devoted?
While both indicate commitment, "dedicated" often implies a professional or targeted commitment, whereas "devoted" suggests a more emotional or personal attachment.
Can dedication be learned?
Yes, dedication can be developed through practice, setting clear goals, and cultivating a disciplined approach to tasks and responsibilities.
How does dedication impact success?
Dedication can significantly impact success by ensuring consistent effort, focus, and perseverance toward achieving goals.
What makes a dedicated team successful?
A dedicated team's success often stems from a shared commitment to goals, collaboration, and a strong work ethic.
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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.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
