Commit Meaning
Commit Definition & Usage
To carry out or perform an action, particularly one that requires a deliberate effort or decision.
Examples
- "She committed herself to improving her skills every day."
- "He committed to the project with enthusiasm, knowing the risks."
- "The company has committed to reducing its carbon footprint by 50% over the next decade."
- "They committed the funds to build a new community center."
- "After much thought, I decided to commit to the idea of going back to school."
To carry out an illegal or immoral act.
Examples
- "He was arrested for committing a crime he didn't intend to commit."
- "The defendant was found guilty of committing fraud."
- "She confessed to committing the theft during the investigation."
- "He committed murder in the heat of passion and later regretted it."
- "The judge stated that the law had been violated when the company committed environmental damage."
To pledge or dedicate oneself to a person, cause, or goal.
Examples
- "He committed himself to the cause of education for all children."
- "She was unsure if she was ready to commit to the relationship."
- "The volunteers committed their time and effort to the charity."
- "They were afraid to commit to the plan because it felt too risky."
- "After years of uncertainty, he finally decided to commit to his dream of becoming a writer."
Cultural Context
The verb 'commit' has Latin origins from 'committere,' meaning 'to bring together' or 'to entrust.' Over time, its meanings evolved to include actions of dedication, as well as the more negative connotation of committing a crime. It is a versatile verb in English, used in both positive and negative contexts.
The Commitment of a Lifetime
Story
The Commitment of a Lifetime
Laura had always dreamed of starting her own business, but she could never bring herself to fully commit. The idea of failure loomed over her, and every time she thought about moving forward, fear held her back. But one day, as she sat at her kitchen table, looking at a half-finished business plan, she realized it was time to make a decision. 'It's now or never,' she muttered to herself. She had been putting off the decision for years, but now, she was ready to commit. She took out her pen and signed the plan, a symbol of her pledge to take the first step toward realizing her dreams. As she made the call to her mentor, she could feel the weight of her decision settling in. 'I'm doing it,' she said, her voice steady despite the excitement coursing through her. 'I'm committing to this. I'm going to make this happen.' Over the next few months, Laura dedicated herself fully to her business. She poured every ounce of energy into developing the product, marketing it, and reaching out to potential customers. She felt her commitment to the project grow stronger with each passing day, and though there were challenges along the way, she never faltered. But one evening, Laura's phone rang. It was her brother, calling from across the country. 'Laura, I know you're busy, but I need you to know something. I committed a huge mistake,' he said, his voice trembling. 'I got involved in something illegal, and now I don't know what to do.' Laura's heart sank. Her brother had made a terrible mistake, and now he was facing the consequences. As she spoke with him, offering her support, she realized that the word 'commit' could mean two very different things. It could represent the promise to do something good, something that requires courage and resolve. But it could also represent actions that led to regret and consequences, as her brother had learned the hard way. In the end, Laura’s business flourished, and her brother sought legal help to address his situation. Both of them had committed to their paths in life, though the outcomes were vastly different. Laura's journey was one of success and perseverance, while her brother's was one of redemption. Yet both of them had learned that the power of commitment—whether to a dream or to a mistake—shaped their futures forever.
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