Commit

Definition

Commit is primarily used as a verb, meaning to pledge or dedicate oneself to a course of action, to engage in a specific act (often used with negative connotations, such as committing a crime), or to transfer something for safekeeping. In computing, it also refers to saving changes in a version control system.

Parts of Speech

• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪt/
• Respelling: kuh-MIT

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /kəˈmɪt/
• Respelling: kuh-MIT

Etymology

The word "commit" originates from the Latin "committere," meaning "to join, entrust, or bring together," derived from "com-" (together) and "mittere" (to send or let go). The term entered Middle English in the 14th century, adopting meanings related to entrusting or performing an act.

Derivatives

• Commitment (noun)
• Committed (adjective)
• Committer (noun)
• Committal (noun)
• Recommit (verb)

Synonyms

• Dedicate
• Pledge
• Entrust

Antonyms

• Abandon
• Withdraw
• Neglect

Usage

The term "commit" is used in various contexts, including personal dedication, legal acts, and computing. For example, "She decided to commit to volunteering weekly," or "He committed the code changes to the repository."

Related Terms

• Promise: A declaration or assurance of doing or not doing something.
• Obligation: A duty or commitment to a certain action or course.
• Entrust: To assign responsibility for a task or duty.

Detailed Definitions

Verb

• To pledge or dedicate oneself to a cause or action: Refers to making a firm commitment to an undertaking.
  • Example: "She committed to completing the project on time."
• To engage in a specific act, especially a crime or wrongdoing: Used in contexts involving illegal or harmful acts.
  • Example: "He was arrested for committing a robbery."
• To transfer something for safekeeping or responsibility: Refers to entrusting someone with a task or item.
  • Example: "They committed the documents to the archives."
• To save changes in a computing environment: In computing, means finalizing or saving modifications in a version control system.
  • Example: "He committed the changes to the Git repository."