devotion

de·vo·tion

noun \di-ˈvō-shən, dē-\

Definition of DEVOTION

1

a : religious fervor : piety

b : an act of prayer or private worship —usually used in plural

c : a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate worship of a congregation

2

a : the act of devoting <devotion of time and energy>

b : the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal <her devotion to the cause> <filial devotion>

3

obsolete : the object of one's devotion

Examples of DEVOTION

1. She has cared for the poor with selfless devotion.
2. The devotion they felt for each other was obvious.
3. The project will require the devotion of a great deal of time and money.
4. They spend an hour each morning at their devotions.

First Known Use of DEVOTION

13th century

Related to DEVOTION

Synonyms

affection, attachment, devotedness, love, fondness, passion

Antonyms

abomination, hate, hatred, loathing, rancor

Related Words

appetite, fancy, favor, like, liking, partiality, preference, relish, taste; craving, crush, desire, infatuation, longing, lust, yearning; ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, fervor, zeal; appreciation, esteem, estimation, regard, respect; adoration, adulation, deification, idolatry, idolization, worship; allegiance, faithfulness, fealty, fidelity, loyalty, steadfastness

Near Antonyms

allergy, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, aversion, disfavor, dislike, enmity, hostility; abhorrence, disgust, repugnance, repulsion, revulsion; misanthropy

See Synonym Discussion at fidelity

Other Religion (Eastern and Other) Terms

Zen, antinomian, avatar, gnosticism, illuminati, ineffable, karma, koan, mantra

Rhymes with DEVOTION

Boeotian, commotion, demotion, emotion, in motion, Laotian, promotion, slow-motion, stop-motion