de voto
B1-B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
To give all or a large part of one's time, resources, or energy to a particular activity, purpose, or person; to dedicate.
Can also mean to set something aside for a specific purpose or cause, or to consecrate (something) to a sacred or solemn purpose.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word carries strong connotations of commitment, dedication, and prioritization. It implies a deliberate and often selfless allocation of something valuable (time, effort, life). The noun form "devotion" is more common in religious contexts.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. The verb forms (devote/devoted/devoting) are identical. The past participle "devoted" is commonly used as an adjective in both varieties (e.g., a devoted fan).
Connotations
Identical connotations of strong commitment and dedication in both dialects.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in written and formal contexts than in casual speech in both regions. The adjective "devoted" is common in everyday use.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
DEVOTE + [something] (time/resources) + TO + [noun/gerund]DEVOTE + oneself + TO + [noun/gerund]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Devote heart and soul”
- “A life devoted to...”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We must devote more manpower to the new product launch.
Academic
The researcher devoted her entire career to studying neural pathways.
Everyday
He devotes his weekends to volunteering at the animal shelter.
Technical
The programme devotes 20% of its processing cycles to background tasks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- She plans to devote a chapter of her thesis to the Victorian era.
- The charity devotes all its funds to helping refugees.
American English
- He devoted his life to public service.
- We need to devote more resources to infrastructure.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- She devotes two hours every day to practising the piano.
- He is a devoted father.
- The company will devote more staff to customer service next year.
- They devoted their holiday to renovating the house.
- The government has been criticised for not devoting enough attention to the climate crisis.
- A substantial portion of the budget was devoted to research and development.
- Her seminal work is devoted to deconstructing the myth of artistic genius.
- He devoted himself entirely to the monastic life, renouncing all worldly possessions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: A VOTE of commitment. To DE-VOTE is to give your metaphorical 'vote' (your choice and commitment) entirely to something.
Conceptual Metaphor
RESOURCES ARE CONTAINERS / TIME IS A RESOURCE (You pour the container of your time/energy into a cause). COMMITMENT IS BINDING (You are bound to the activity/person).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with "разрабатывать" (to develop) or "заниматься" (to engage in/do). The core idea is dedication and allocation, not just "doing." "Devote" requires the preposition "to." The closest Russian equivalents often involve the root "посвящать".
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect preposition: 'devote on' or 'devote for' instead of 'devote TO'.
- Using it without a clear object of dedication: 'She devotes.' (Incomplete).
- Confusing adjective 'devoted' (loyal) with the verb form.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'devote' INCORRECTLY?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, when used as a verb meaning to dedicate, it requires the preposition 'to' before the object of dedication (e.g., devote time to gardening).
They are very close synonyms. 'Dedicate' can be slightly more formal and is often used for ceremonial assignments (dedicate a monument). 'Devote' often implies more personal, emotional commitment or the allocation of a resource over time.
Yes, it can mean to consecrate or set apart for a sacred purpose (e.g., a chapel devoted to St. Francis). The related noun 'devotion' is even more common in religious language.
As an adjective, 'devoted' means very loving, loyal, or faithful (a devoted husband) or exclusively allocated for a purpose (a room devoted to storage). It does not take the preposition 'to' in this form.