What does devote mean?
Devote is a verb meaning to give a significant share of one's time, energy, money, or attention to a person, activity, or purpose. It is typically followed by "to": one devotes an afternoon to study, devotes resources to a project, or devotes oneself to a cause. A second, more formal sense involves setting something apart for a designated use, as when land is devoted to conservation. The word carries a strongly positive connotation of commitment, seriousness, and often self-sacrifice, distinguishing it from lighter terms like "spend" or "use." Its adjective form, "devoted," is widely used to describe loyal relationships, as in a devoted friend. Derived from Latin roots meaning to vow solemnly, devote has long been associated with religious dedication, though in modern English it applies equally to careers, hobbies, family, and philanthropy. It remains a versatile and expressive choice for describing sustained, wholehearted commitment.
verbTo give a large part of one's time, energy, or resources to a particular person, activity, or cause. Also, to set something apart for a specific purpose.
- To give one's time, effort, or attention to a person, activity, or cause.
- To set apart or consecrate something for a particular use or purpose.
"She devoted her weekends to restoring the community garden."
"After retiring, he devoted himself entirely to painting."
"The city council voted to devote the vacant lot to public housing."
Devote traces back to the Latin devovēre — literally 'to vow down' — because in ancient Rome you devoted something by solemnly consecrating it, sometimes to destruction or to the gods.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of devote
Devote comes from the Latin verb devovēre, formed from dē- (down, completely) plus vovēre (to vow), originally meaning to vow solemnly or consecrate something to a deity or purpose. The word entered English in the late sixteenth century, initially with strong religious overtones of consecration. Over time it broadened to secular dedication of time and energy. It shares its Latin root vovēre (to vow) with words such as devotion, devotee, votive, and vote, all carrying the underlying idea of a solemn pledge.
Related word forms
How devote is actually used
Formal-to-neutral register; common in both everyday and formal writing. Almost always used with a preposition: devote something TO someone/something, or reflexively as devote ONESELF TO a cause. It carries a connotation of earnest commitment rather than casual interest. The passive 'be devoted to' is especially frequent when describing loyalty to people or dedication to work.
Easily confused with devote
"Devout" is an adjective meaning deeply religious or sincere, while "devote" is a verb meaning to dedicate something to a purpose.