التّعهّد

Affirming

Difficulty Level

Description

التعهّد (al-ta'ahhud) is a noun meaning commitment, pledge, or undertaking. It refers to a formal promise or obligation to do something, often used in legal, business, and formal contexts. This word carries the sense of personal responsibility and accountability for fulfilling a stated promise or agreement.

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Example Sentences

قدّم الوزير تعهّداً بتحسين الخدمات الصحيّة في البلاد.

Qaddama al-wazīr ta'ahhudan bi-tahsīn al-khidmāt al-sihhhiyyah fī al-bilād.

The minister made a commitment to improve health services in the country.

التعهّد بالسداد في الموعد المحدّد شرط أساسي في العقد.

Al-ta'ahhud bi-al-sadād fī al-maw'id al-muḥaddad sharṭ asāsī fī al-'aqd.

The commitment to pay by the specified date is a fundamental condition in the contract.

أعطيتك تعهّداً وسأفي به مهما كلّف الأمر.

A'ṭayituka ta'ahhudan wa-sawfa afī bihi mahmā kallafa al-amr.

I gave you a promise and I will fulfill it no matter the cost.

طلبت الشركة تعهّداً كتابياً من المقاول قبل البدء بالعمل.

Ṭalabat al-sharikah ta'ahhudan kātibiyyan min al-muqāwil qabla al-bidāyah bi-al-'amal.

The company requested a written commitment from the contractor before starting work.

يجب على كل موظف أن يقدّم تعهّداً بالالتزام بقوانين العمل.

Yajib 'alā kull muwazzaf an yuqaddim ta'ahhudan bi-al-iltizām bi-qawānīn al-'amal.

Every employee must provide a commitment to comply with labor laws.

Synonyms

التزام(commitment, obligation)وعد(promise, pledge)عهد(covenant, pledge)ضمان(guarantee, assurance)

Antonyms

إخلال(breach, violation)تقصير(neglect, shortcoming)تنصّل(disavowal, renunciation)

Cultural Notes

In Arabic and Islamic culture, keeping one's word and honoring commitments holds deep moral and religious significance, rooted in Quranic teachings. The concept of التعهّد is prevalent in business, legal, and governmental contexts throughout the Arab world, reflecting the importance of trust-based relationships. This word is frequently used in formal declarations and official statements where leaders publicly commit to specific goals or reforms.

Usage Tips

Use التعهّد in formal or official contexts when discussing serious promises or contractual obligations. Remember it's a noun, so pair it with appropriate verbs like قدّم (presented), أعطى (gave), or وفى (fulfilled). Be aware that this word implies a degree of formality and seriousness—use simpler synonyms like وعد for casual, everyday promises.

## Understanding التعهّد (Al-Ta'ahhud) The Arabic word **التعهّد** (al-ta'ahhud) is a noun that translates to "commitment," "pledge," "undertaking," or "affirmation." It represents a formal promise or obligation to accomplish something specific, carrying significant weight in both legal and moral contexts. ## Etymology and Root التعهّد derives from the root **ع-ه-د** ('-h-d), which relates to covenant, promise, and binding agreements. The prefix **ت** and internal structure indicate the concept of undertaking or assuming responsibility. This root family is rich with meaning related to promises and obligations in Arabic language and Islamic tradition. ## Usage and Context ### Formal and Legal Contexts التعهّد is predominantly used in formal, legal, and business settings. Companies require written commitments (تعهّدات كتابيّة) from contractors and partners. Government officials make public commitments about policy implementation. Courts recognize تعهّدات as binding agreements between parties. In contracts and official documents, this word signifies serious, enforceable obligations. ### Personal and Interpersonal Use While more formal than everyday language, التعهّد can also appear in personal contexts when discussing serious, long-term promises. Parents might make تعهّدات to their children about support or education. Friends might exchange تعهّدات regarding loyalty or confidentiality. ## Grammatical Features As a noun, التعهّد functions as the subject or object of sentences. It can be modified by adjectives (تعهّد كتابي - written commitment, تعهّد رسمي - formal commitment) or combined with prepositional phrases (تعهّد بالسداد - commitment to payment). The verb form **تعهّد** (ya'tahhud) means "to undertake" or "to commit," derived from the same root. ## Synonyms and Related Words Similar concepts include: - **التزام** (iltizām) - obligation, commitment - **وعد** (wa'd) - promise (less formal) - **عهد** ('ahd) - covenant, pledge (more poetic/religious) - **ضمان** (dhamān) - guarantee Each carries slightly different nuances. التعهّد emphasizes the formal undertaking, التزام emphasizes obligation, while وعد is more casual. ## Cultural Significance In Islamic and Arab culture, honoring commitments holds profound moral importance. The Quran repeatedly emphasizes the value of keeping one's word. This cultural background makes التعهّد particularly significant—breaking a commitment is viewed as a serious breach of trust and character. In business and government, public تعهّدات serve as accountability mechanisms and demonstrate sincerity. ## Common Phrases and Expressions - **تعهّد كتابي** (written commitment) - enforceable in legal contexts - **الوفاء بالتعهّد** (fulfilling the commitment) - keeping one's promise - **تعهّد رسمي** (formal commitment) - official, public commitment - **تقديم تعهّد** (presenting a commitment) - making a public pledge - **إخلال بالتعهّد** (breach of commitment) - failing to fulfill obligations ## Practical Learning Tips When learning this word, remember its formal register—it's not suitable for casual conversation about small promises. Pair it with appropriate verbs: قدّم (presented), أعطى (gave), وفى (fulfilled), أخلّ (breached). Notice how it combines with adjectives to specify the nature of the commitment. Read examples from news articles and official documents to understand authentic usage patterns. ## Conclusion التعهّد represents an important concept in Arabic professional and formal communication. Understanding this word and its various uses is essential for anyone engaging with Arabic business, legal, or governmental contexts. Its emphasis on formal, binding obligations reflects core values in Arabic and Islamic culture regarding trust, accountability, and the sanctity of promises.