Rededicating

Part of speech: verb

Definitions

1. Renewing commitment to a task or cause previously dedicated to ; assigning or declaring a dedication again, often of a building or object
2. Giving new or continued devotion to a purpose that was previously established ; changing or confirming the designated purpose or dedication of something
3. Reaffirming earnest dedication toward a goal or responsibility ; officially changing or reaffirming the dedication of an item or place

Etymology: "Rededicating" is the present participle of "rededicate," which is simply "re-" (again) attached to "dedicate." "Dedicate" comes from the Latin "dedicare," meaning "to proclaim, declare, or devote," built from "de-" (here meaning "fully, formally") and "dicare" ("to make known, to proclaim"), the same root that gives "dictate" and "indicate." The original sense was public and formal: a Roman dedicated a temple by solemnly declaring it set apart for a god. English took "dedicate" in the 16th century, and it kept that ceremonial flavour. Early uses often meant formally consecrating something, and books were "dedicated" to patrons by a formal address at the front. The sense of personal commitment, devoting one's time or energy to a cause, came later and grew naturally from the idea of solemnly setting something apart. "Rededicate" follows the same path: a building or ceremony is formally re-consecrated, and a person renews a pledge to a cause. The word stays tied to that original act of solemn declaration.

Synonyms: recommitting, reaffirming