التزام
Adherence
Difficulty Level
Description
التزام (al-iltizām) is a masculine noun meaning 'commitment,' 'obligation,' or 'adherence.' It represents the act of binding oneself to a duty, promise, or principle, and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts to express dedication or responsibility. This word carries a sense of moral or contractual obligation that goes beyond mere compliance.
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Example Sentences
التزامي تجاه عائلتي هو أهم شيء في حياتي.
Al-iltizāmī tijāha ʿāʾilatī huwa ahamma shayyʾ fī hayātī.
My commitment to my family is the most important thing in my life.
الموظف ملزم بالالتزام بقوانين الشركة.
Al-muwazzaf mulzam bi-al-iltizām bi-qawānīn al-sharika.
The employee is required to adhere to the company's rules.
هناك التزام قوي بين الشركاء في هذا المشروع.
Hunāka al-iltizām qawī bayna al-shurakāʾ fī hādhā al-mashruʿ.
There is a strong commitment between the partners in this project.
التزمت بوعدي وأنهيت العمل في الوقت المحدد.
Iltazamtu bi-waʿdī wa-ʾanhaytu al-ʿamal fī al-waqt al-muḥaddad.
I kept my commitment and finished the work on time.
الالتزام بالدين والأخلاق من أساسيات المجتمع الإسلامي.
Al-iltizām bi-al-dīn wa-al-ʾakhilāq min ʾasāsiyyāt al-mujtamaʿ al-ʾislāmī.
Commitment to religion and ethics are fundamentals of Islamic society.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Words
Cultural Notes
In Islamic and Arab culture, التزام represents a deeply valued quality, reflecting personal honor, reliability, and spiritual dedication. The word is frequently used in religious contexts to describe adherence to Islamic principles and in business or social contexts to emphasize trustworthiness. Breaking an التزام is viewed seriously as it affects one's reputation and standing in the community.
Usage Tips
Remember that التزام can function as both a noun (commitment) and can be used with the preposition 'ب' (bi-) meaning 'commitment to' or 'adherence to.' When expressing that someone is committed, use the adjective form 'ملتزم' (multazim) or the verb 'التزم' (iltazama). Pay attention to context—it can be legal/contractual or moral/personal in nature.
Understanding التزام (Al-Iltizām): Commitment and Obligation
Definition and Meaning
التزام (al-iltizām) is a fundamental Arabic noun that translates to 'commitment,' 'obligation,' 'adherence,' or 'compliance.' Derived from the root letters ل-ز-م (l-z-m), this word represents the act of binding oneself—whether legally, morally, or spiritually—to a duty, responsibility, or principle. Unlike passive acceptance, التزام implies active engagement and dedication to fulfilling one's obligations.
Grammatical Structure and Forms
As a masculine noun, التزام can appear in various grammatical forms depending on context. The related verb التزم (iltazama) means 'to commit' or 'to adhere,' while the adjective ملتزم (multazim) describes someone who is 'committed' or 'dedicated.' The passive form ملزم (mulzam) indicates something that is 'obligatory' or 'binding.' Understanding these related forms helps learners recognize the word in different contexts and use it appropriately.
Usage in Formal and Informal Contexts
التزام appears extensively in legal documents, business agreements, and formal communications, where it denotes contractual or statutory obligations. In everyday conversation, it's used to express personal commitments—such as commitment to family, health, or educational goals. Religious contexts frequently employ this word to describe adherence to Islamic principles and practices. The word carries weight and seriousness regardless of context, suggesting that the obligation is significant and expected to be honored.
Cultural Significance in Arab and Islamic Societies
In Arab culture, maintaining التزام is deeply connected to personal honor, integrity, and trustworthiness. Breaking a commitment damages one's reputation (سمعة - sumʿa) and can have lasting social consequences. Islamic teachings emphasize التزام as a virtue, particularly regarding religious observance, family duties, and honest dealings in business. The phrase "ملتزم بدينه" (multazim bi-dīnihi) meaning 'religiously committed' is used as a mark of respect and reliability in the community.
Common Phrases and Expressions
التزام قانوني (iltizām qānūnī) - A legal commitment or obligation enforceable by law
التزام أخلاقي (iltizām ʾakhilāqī) - A moral commitment based on ethics and conscience
التزام ديني (iltizām dīnī) - A religious commitment to faith and spiritual practice
الالتزام بالعمل (al-iltizām bi-al-ʿamal) - Dedication to one's work or job
التزام الصمت (iltizām al-ṣamt) - A commitment to silence; maintaining confidentiality
Synonyms and Related Concepts
Several words share similar meanings with التزام depending on context. العهد (al-ʿahd) refers to a covenant or solemn pledge, often with spiritual undertones. الواجب (al-wājib) emphasizes duty or obligation more directly. المسؤولية (al-masʾūliyyah) stresses responsibility and accountability. الوعد (al-waʿd) specifically means a promise or commitment between individuals. Each synonym carries slightly different connotations, making them useful in different contexts.
Antonyms and Contrasts
The opposite of التزام would be concepts like التخلي (al-takhalī) meaning abandonment or renunciation, الإهمال (al-ihmāl) indicating neglect or negligence, and الخيانة (al-khiyānah) representing betrayal. These antonyms highlight how serious التزام is considered—breaking it is not merely failing to complete a task, but betraying trust and duty.
Practical Learning Tips
When learning to use التزام, remember that it often appears with the preposition 'ب' (bi-) to express 'commitment to' something. Notice how native speakers use it in phrases like "ملتزم بموعده" (multazim bi-mawʿidihi) meaning 'committed to his appointment' or 'on time.' Practice forming sentences about your own commitments to reinforce the vocabulary. Pay attention to whether the context is legal, moral, religious, or personal, as this affects nuance and formality level.