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verb B2 Upper-Intermediate Uncommon

devote

dih-VOHT

Devote (verb) means to give one's time, energy, or resources entirely to a particular purpose or person. Example: “She devotes every weekend to volunteering at the shelter.”

verb
1
To give one's time, energy, or resources entirely to a particular purpose or person.
"She devotes every weekend to volunteering at the shelter."
"He devoted his career to fighting for workers' rights."

How to use devote

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTo commit your time or effort completely to something you care about.

Easily confused with
Common pairings
devote time to devote oneself to devote energy to

Word forms

more devote comparative, devoted past tense, devotes singular, most devote superlative

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

She _____ every weekend to volunteering at the shelter.

Etymology

From Latin dēvōtus, past participle of dēvovēre, "to vow, dedicate solemnly, or sacrifice."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for devote

See all rhymes for devote →

Frequently asked questions

What does “devote” mean?

The word “devote” means to give one's time, energy, or resources entirely to a particular purpose or person. In plain terms, to commit your time or effort completely to something you care about.

How do you pronounce “devote”?

“Devote” is pronounced dih-VOHT (/dɪˈvoʊt/ in IPA).

How do you use “devote” in a sentence?

Here is “devote” used in a sentence: “She devotes every weekend to volunteering at the shelter.”

What part of speech is “devote”?

“Devote” is a verb.

Where does the word “devote” come from?

The word “devote” comes from Latin. From Latin dēvōtus, past participle of dēvovēre, "to vow, dedicate solemnly, or sacrifice.".

Is “devote” a common word?

“Devote” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

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