How to pronounce dedication
Say it like ded-uh-KAY-shun. Dedication has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY).
Click the play button next to American or British to hear how to pronounce dedication. Choose Slow to hear each sound clearly.
- ded
- uh
- KAY
- shun
- Main stress
- Lighter stress
- Unstressed
Dedication pronunciation, sound by sound
Read the parts left to right, then blend them together without pausing.
- dedGive this part a little weight. The vowel is the "e" in bed.
- uhKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
- KAYSay this part loudest and longest. The vowel is the "ay" in day.
- shunKeep this part quick and light. The vowel is the relaxed "uh" in about.
American vs British pronunciation of dedication
American and British speakers say dedication in essentially the same way: /ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/ in the US and /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/ in the UK.
British respelling: ded-ih-KAY-shun.
What does dedication mean?
- complete and wholehearted fidelity
- a ceremony in which something (as a building) is dedicated to some goal or purpose
- a message that makes a pledge
Where does dedication come from?
Originated 1350–1400 from Middle English dedicacioun, from Old French dedicacion (“consecration of a church or chapel”), from Latin dēdicātiō, equivalent to dēdicātus+-iōn.
Words that rhyme with dedication
Practicing rhymes is a quick way to lock in the vowel sound of dedication.
Questions about saying dedication
How do you pronounce dedication?
Say ded-uh-KAY-shun. The American pronunciation is /ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/. In British English it is /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/. Press play above to hear it at normal speed or slowly.
How many syllables are in dedication?
Dedication has four syllables, and the main stress falls on the third one (KAY). Broken into parts: ded · uh · KAY · shun.
Do Americans and Brits say dedication the same way?
Almost exactly. The American form is /ˌdɛdəˈkeɪʃən/ and the British form is /ˌdɛdɪˈkeɪʃən/, so you can use either pronunciation with any listener.