devote

verb

de·​vote di-ˈvōt How to pronounce devote (audio)
dē-
devoted; devoting
Synonyms of devote

transitive verb

1
: to commit by a solemn act
devoted herself to serving God
2
: to give over or direct (time, money, effort, etc.) to a cause, enterprise, or activity
Part of the lecture was devoted to taking questions from the audience.
She devoted her life to public service.
devotement
di-ˈvōt-mənt How to pronounce devote (audio)
dē-
noun

Synonyms of devote

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devote, dedicate, consecrate, hallow mean to set apart for a special and often higher end.

devote is likely to imply compelling motives and often attachment to an objective.

devoted his evenings to study

dedicate implies solemn and exclusive devotion to a sacred or serious use or purpose.

dedicated her life to medical research

consecrate stresses investment with a solemn or sacred quality.

consecrate a church to the worship of God

hallow, often differing little from dedicate or consecrate, may distinctively imply an attribution of intrinsic sanctity.

battlegrounds hallowed by the blood of patriots

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
Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
In the coming years, David and his family would devote more and more of their money and time to that adventure, working to ensure that Jesus’s message of salvation reached around the globe. — Literary Hub, 24 July 2026 The committee’s recommendations also included devoting approximately 67% of the bond money toward maintenance, with the rest going toward student programs and technology improvements. — Elizabeth Campbell, Fort Worth Star-Telegram, 24 July 2026 These communities of men and women devote their lives to becoming more like Jesus by living out vows of poverty, chastity and obedience. — Adora Namigadde, NPR, 23 July 2026 Too many law enforcement agencies devote little time to training officers how to safely handle encounters with animals. — Vanessa Shakib, Oc Register, 23 July 2026 See All Example Sentences for devote

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1586, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of devote was in 1586

Phrases Containing devote

Rhymes for devote

See All Rhymes for devote

Browse Nearby Words

dévot
devote
devoted
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Cite this Entry

“Devote.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devote. Accessed 26 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

devote

verb
de·​vote di-ˈvōt How to pronounce devote (audio)
devoted; devoting
1
: to set apart for a special purpose
devote land to farming
2
: to give (oneself) up to
devoted herself to her career

More from Merriam-Webster on devote

Nglish: Translation of devote for Spanish Speakers

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