devote - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
devote Word Meanings
- to give completely to a cause or activity
- to dedicate something, especially time or effort
- to commit oneself to a specific purpose or person
devote Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
devote Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪˈvəʊt/
US
/dɪˈvoʊt/
devote Word Etymology
de- = down/away + vote = to vow. The word originated from Latin (devotio) → Old French (devouer) → English. To 'devote' invokes an image of a person kneeling down and making a solemn promise or vow, committing wholeheartedly to a cause or person, like a missionary dedicating their life to service.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push aside distractions and place a single project at the center of my day. I keep showing up, and I turn small tasks into steady effort. The push and pull of commitment changes how I think about what matters. Hours stack up, and I feel a quiet devotion to the goal growing from practice.
Real Context
Devote means to turn all your time, energy, or loyalty toward a particular purpose. It can describe giving yourself completely to a cause, or investing substantial time or effort in a project, relationship, or mission. People often say they plan to devote themselves to a lifelong goal, such as helping others or advancing a field of study. The verb commonly collocates with phrases like devote oneself to, devote time to, or devote resources. Etymologically, de- means down or away and vote originally meant a vow, conveying a formal, solemn commitment. Learners should distinguish it from devotion (noun) and from devout (adjective), and notice how it often carries a long-term, wholehearted sense.
Usage Reminders
- Use with to: devote to a task or cause; avoid 'devote' with a person directly; keep tense aligned with context; 'devote oneself to' emphasizes personal commitment; 'devote time/effort/resources to' shows allocation; 'devoted' and 'devotion' are related but different parts of speech.
Common Misconceptions
- Devote is only about religious life or vows.
- Devote and dedicate are exactly the same in all contexts.
- You can devote a person rather than yourself/her/himself to something.
- Devote cannot be used in the present simple for ongoing actions.
- Devote implies an instant, short-term effort rather than a long-term commitment.
Thinking Differences
In English, devote often implies a deep, long-term commitment to a cause, person, or project. Learners may overgeneralize it to everyday tasks or confuse it with merely working hard; the nuance of wholehearted, sustained investment is key.
Learning Tips
- Remember to pair devote with to: devote to a task or cause.
- Use devote oneself to for emphasis on personal commitment.
- Differentiate between devote (verb) and devotion (noun).
- Be mindful of tense: devote, devoted, devoting.
- Compare with dedicate: similar but devotion can imply more intensity.
- Practice with scenarios involving time, energy, or loyalty.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'devote'?
A.Commit
B.Avoid
C.Abandon
D.Forget
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'devote' used correctly?
A.She spends time devoted to her studies.
B.He doesn't care about his work and is devoted to it.
C.They devote their weekends to relaxing.
D.I devote my dreams every morning.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'devote'?
A.Neglect
B.Surrender
C.Dedicate
D.Dismiss
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'devote'?
A.Distract
B.Concentrate
C.Reserve
D.Allocate
Step 5: Mastery
In what scenario would someone be likely to use the word 'devote'?
A.Shopping for groceries
B.Watching TV all day
C.Ignoring responsibilities
D.Volunteering at a charity organization
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