Origin: Latin suffix -ment
Commitment has 7 different meanings across 1 category:
the trait of sincere and steadfast fixity of purpose
"a man of energy and 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"
an engagement by contract involving financial obligation
"his business commitments took him to London"
a message that makes a pledge
"Her social media post served as a public commitment to donate all her earnings to the local shelter."
the official act of consigning a person to confinement (as in a prison or mental hospital)
"The judge's decision to commit him to a state psychiatric facility ensured he would receive the intensive care his condition required."
The act or an instance of committing, putting in charge, keeping, or trust, especially:
"The board's commitment to appointing a new director was finalized only after the background checks were cleared."
The act of sending a legislative bill to committee for review.
"The senator announced that he would commit the new education reform bill to the House Committee on Education for immediate review."
In plain English: A commitment is when you promise to do something and stick with it even if things get hard.
"She showed real commitment by arriving early to help set up the event."
Usage: Use commitment to describe a firm promise or dedication to doing something, such as keeping a schedule or supporting a cause. It refers to the state of being bound by that pledge rather than the physical act of entrusting someone with an object.
The word commitment comes from combining the verb commit with the suffix -ment to form a noun. It entered English as a way to describe the act of binding oneself or dedicating something to a specific purpose.