Meaning
奉献 means to dedicate oneself or contribute something valuable (time, effort, life) to a cause, person, or ideal, often with a sense of selflessness or sacrifice. It carries a formal, somewhat elevated tone and is commonly used to describe acts of service to society, one's country, family, or a greater purpose.
Usage
This word appears frequently in formal contexts, speeches, news reports, and when discussing social contributions or personal sacrifice. It emphasizes the noble or selfless quality of the dedication. Common patterns include 奉献给 (dedicate to), 无私奉献 (selfless dedication), and 默默奉献 (quietly dedicate oneself).
Examples
- 01她把一生都奉献给了教育事业。.She dedicated her entire life to the cause of education.
- 02医护人员的无私奉献值得我们尊敬。.The selfless dedication of medical workers deserves our respect.
Characters
Common collocations
- 无私奉献selfless dedication
- 奉献精神spirit of dedication
- 奉献给to dedicate to
- 默默奉献to quietly dedicate oneself
Antonyms
Origin
Both characters historically relate to presenting offerings or tributes. 奉 originally depicted hands holding something up respectfully, while 献 combines elements suggesting presenting valuable items, particularly in ritual contexts.