Devote — Meaning, Definition & Synonyms

verb /di-ˈvōt/ de·vote

Meaning & Definition of Devote

Devote (verb)

  1. to commit by a solemn act
  2. to give over or direct (time, money, effort, etc.) to a cause, enterprise, or activity

Devote (verb) — Senses, Synonyms & Antonyms

  1. to keep or intend for a special purpose

    "I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog"

    similar: allocate, consecrate, dedicate, earmark, give up (to), reserve, save, set by, set apart, set aside
    related: bless, hallow, sanctify, commit, confide, consign, entrust, apply, bestow, employ, use
    near: ignore, neglect, misapply, misuse

  2. to occupy (oneself) diligently or with close attention

    "planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college"

    similar: address, apply, bend, buckle, give, get cracking, get one's act together, get with it, turn one's hand
    related: readdress, reapply, knuckle down, set (to), settle (down), busy, commit, concern, engage, involve, exert, exhaust, put out, spend, strain, stress, tax, trouble, wear out, carry on, pitch in, plunge (in), grind, hump, hustle, peg (away), plod, plow, plug (away), work
    near: dally, dawdle, dillydally, fiddle (around), fool around, idle, mess around, monkey (around), play, potter (around), putter (around), trifle

Synonyms, Thesaurus & Another Word for Devote

The most common words with a similar meaning to Devote:

allocate, consecrate, dedicate, earmark, give up (to), reserve, save, set by, address, apply, bend, buckle, give, set apart, set aside, get cracking, get one's act together, get with it, turn one's hand

Related Words for Devote

bless, hallow, sanctify, commit, confide, consign, entrust, bestow, employ, use, readdress, reapply, knuckle down, set (to), settle (down), busy, concern, engage, involve, exert, exhaust, put out, spend, strain, stress, tax, trouble, wear out, carry on, pitch in

Near Antonyms of Devote

ignore, neglect, misapply, misuse, dally, dawdle, dillydally, fiddle (around), fool around, idle, mess around, monkey (around), play, potter (around), putter (around), trifle

Word Forms of Devote

Inflections: devoted, devoting

Derived words: devotement (noun)

Origin & Etymology of Devote

Latin devotus, past participle of devovēre, from de- + vovēre to vow

First known use: 1586

Vocabulary Lists & Topics for Devote

Words & Phrases Containing Devote

devote to

Frequently Asked Questions about Devote

What does "Devote" mean?

"Devote" means to commit by a solemn act. As a verb, it is defined as: to commit by a solemn act. It has 2 distinct senses.

What is another word for "Devote"?

Other words for "Devote" include allocate, consecrate, dedicate, earmark, give up (to), reserve, save and set by. The best synonym depends on which meaning of "Devote" you intend.

What are different ways to say "Devote"?

There are 58 words and phrases with a similar meaning to "Devote". Common alternatives include allocate, consecrate, dedicate, earmark, give up (to), reserve, save, set by, address and apply.

How do you use "Devote" in a sentence?

Examples of "Devote" in a sentence: "I conscientiously devote several hours every weekend to playing with my dog"; "planning a diplomatic career, she's been intensely devoting herself to the study of foreign languages in college".

Is "Devote" a noun, verb, or adjective?

"Devote" is a verb.

Is "Devote" useful for IELTS, TOEFL, and other English exams?

As a B2-level word, "Devote" is typical of Cambridge B2 First (FCE), IELTS band 5.5–6.5, TOEFL iBT 72–94, PTE Academic 59–75, TOEIC Listening & Reading 785+.

How do you pronounce "Devote"?

"Devote" is pronounced /di-ˈvōt/ and divided into syllables as de·vote.

What is the origin of the word "Devote"?

"Devote" comes from Latin devotus, past participle of devovēre, from de- + vovēre to vow. First known use: 1586.