devest: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
1 (extremely rare/obsolete)Archaic/Literary. May appear in historical texts or as a spelling error in modern writing.
Quick answer
What does “devest” mean?
To strip of or deprive of possessions, property, or authority (archaic).
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To strip of or deprive of possessions, property, or authority (archaic); to ruin or destroy (rare).
This word is an archaic or obsolete spelling of 'divest', historically sharing the same meaning of dispossessing someone. Its modern use is almost exclusively a spelling error for 'divest' or the non-standard word 'devastate'. It is not a standard word in contemporary English.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No distinction exists, as the word is not standard in either variant. Any appearance is likely a mistake.
Connotations
If encountered in a historical context, it carries the formal, legalistic connotations of 'divest'. If modern, it connotes error.
Frequency
Virtually zero frequency in corpora of modern English for either variant.
Grammar
How to Use “devest” in a Sentence
to devest someone of something (archaic)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “devest” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The king sought to devest the rebellious baron of his titles and lands. (historical example)
American English
- The court moved to devest the trustee of his fraudulent holdings. (historical example)
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used. The standard term is 'divest' (e.g., to divest assets).
Academic
Only in historical/philological discussions about spelling variation.
Everyday
A spelling mistake.
Technical
Not applicable.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “devest”
- Using 'devest' instead of 'divest'.
- Using 'devest' instead of 'devastate'.
- Believing 'devest' is a modern, valid English word.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but only historically. It is an archaic spelling variant of 'divest'. It is not considered a standard word in contemporary English and its appearance is typically a spelling error.
They are completely different. 'Devest' (archaic) means to strip of possessions. 'Devastate' (modern) means to destroy or lay waste to something, causing severe shock or distress.
You should almost always use 'divest' if you mean to deprive someone of power, rights, or property. If you mean to cause great destruction, use 'devastate'.
In any modern context (exams, formal writing, business communication), using 'devest' will be considered a spelling mistake. Always use 'divest' or 'devastate' as appropriate.
To strip of or deprive of possessions, property, or authority (archaic).
Devest is usually archaic/literary. may appear in historical texts or as a spelling error in modern writing. in register.
Devest: in British English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɛst/, and in American English it is pronounced /dɪˈvɛst/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'DE' (removal) + 'VEST' (clothing/authority) = to strip off (like a vest). But remember the modern, correct spelling is DIVEST.
Conceptual Metaphor
POSSESSIONS ARE CLOTHING (to divest/devest = to remove clothing).
Practice
Quiz
What is the status of the word 'devest' in modern English?