devote
//dɪˈvəʊt//
Forms
- present (v1)
- devote
- past (v2)
- devoted
- past participle (v3)
- devoted
- present participle
- devoting
- 3rd person singular
- devotes
Definitions
1.to give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter; to consecrate.
- They devoted their lives to following Jesus Christ.
- I devoted this afternoon to repainting my study, and nothing will get in my way.
- He is the Chief of this far Countrey; and to his service, carnal and wicked men devote themselves.
2.to consign over; to doom
- The city was devoted to the flames.
3.to execrate; to curse
Frequency
Overall
Uncommon· #3905
By learning goal
- Everyday conversation
- Rare
- General reading & writing
- Uncommon
- Academic
- Rare
- Literature
- Rare
Related words
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin dēvōtus, past participle of Latin dēvoveō (“dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, promise solemnly”).
Doublet of devow; see also devout.
Displaced native Middle English ēstful, from Old English ēstful.