Committed: Definition and Synonyms
committed – Definition and Part of Speech
Committed is a versatile word primarily used as a verb or adjective:
- As a Verb: To pledge oneself to a cause, activity, or obligation. Example: “She committed herself to the charity.”
- As an Adjective: Describing someone who shows dedication to a cause, task, or relationship. Example: “He is a committed employee.”
The past tense of “commit” is sometimes incorrectly spelled as “commited,” but the correct form is “committed.”
Core Synonyms
Below is a table presenting some main synonyms for “committed” with their brief definitions, example sentences, and typical styles or registers.
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dedicated | Implies an enthusiastic devotion to a task. | “She is dedicated to improving literacy rates.” | Formal/Professional |
| Devoted | Connotes affection and loyalty, often in personal contexts. | “He is devoted to his family’s well-being.” | Informal/Casual |
| Engaged | Implies being actively involved or occupied with a task. | “She was engaged in developing the new marketing strategy.” | Business/Professional |
| Loyal | Suggests faithfulness and allegiance, often used for relationships. | “They are loyal customers who have supported us for years.” | Formal/Casual |
| Obligated | Indicates a sense of duty or responsibility to act. | “He felt obligated to help his neighbor after the storm.” | Academic/Formal |
Usage Notes
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Dedicated: Best used in contexts emphasizing enthusiasm and commitment, often seen in professional settings where one’s passion is highlighted.
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Devoted: Often appears in personal or emotional contexts, making it suitable for describing relationships or personal interests.
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Engaged: Frequently found in business or task-focused scenarios, indicating active involvement or participation.
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Loyal: Suitable for expressing allegiance or faithfulness, whether to people, organizations, or causes. It can be used across different registers but often appears more in formal contexts when discussing commitments beyond tasks.
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Obligated: Appropriate for situations where duty and responsibility are the main drivers of commitment, often seen in academic writing or formal communications.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is confusing “committed” with its homophone “commited,” which is incorrect. It’s essential to remember that “committing” something involves dedication and intentionality, whereas “committment” as a noun does not exist—use “commitment” instead.
Another mistake learners might make is using these synonyms interchangeably without considering their nuanced meanings. For example, while someone can be both loyal and devoted, loyalty often pertains to relationships or affiliations, whereas devotion implies emotional attachment or enthusiasm.
Final Recap
In this article, we explored several synonyms for “committed,” including:
- Dedicated: Emphasizes enthusiastic commitment.
- Devoted: Highlights affectionate allegiance.
- Engaged: Indicates active involvement in tasks.
- Loyal: Suggests faithfulness and loyalty.
- Obligated: Reflects a sense of duty.
Each synonym has its distinct nuance, making them suitable for different contexts. To deepen your understanding, try using these words in sentences or conversations relevant to their meanings. This practice will help you recognize subtle differences and apply them correctly across various settings.