devote
B2Formal to Neutral
Definition
Meaning
to give all or a large part of one's time, energy, or resources to a specific purpose, activity, or person.
To dedicate something (time, space, resources) exclusively to a particular function or aim; also used in the adjectival form 'devoted' to describe a person who is very loving or loyal.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Often implies a conscious, deliberate, and sustained commitment. The object is typically something valuable (time, effort, life) and the preposition 'to' is essential. The past participle 'devoted' is more common than the base verb in everyday use.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and grammar are identical.
Connotations
Identical connotations of commitment and dedication in both varieties.
Frequency
Similar frequency in both corpora. The noun 'devotee' is slightly more formal and may be associated with British English descriptions of enthusiasts (e.g., 'a devotee of cricket').
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
Subject + devote + Object (time/energy/self) + to + Noun/GerundVocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Devote body and soul to something”
- “A devoted follower of fashion”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
We must devote more manpower to the product launch.
Academic
The researcher devoted several years to the study of epigenetics.
Everyday
She devotes every weekend to volunteering at the animal shelter.
Technical
The program devotes 20% of its processing cycles to background tasks.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- He decided to devote his retirement to learning the cello.
- The museum will devote a new gallery to contemporary sculpture.
American English
- She devotes three hours a day to training for the marathon.
- The company is devoting significant resources to renewable energy projects.
adverb
British English
- She listened devotedly to her grandfather's stories.
- He worked devotedly on the community project for months.
American English
- The assistant worked devotedly for the cause, often late into the night.
- They supported the candidate devotedly throughout the campaign.
adjective
British English
- He is a devoted supporter of his local football club.
- She received a letter from a devoted admirer.
American English
- They are devoted parents who attend every school event.
- The book has a devoted following among fantasy readers.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He devotes time to his family.
- She is a devoted teacher.
- I want to devote more effort to learning English.
- They are devoted to their children's education.
- The government plans to devote a larger portion of the budget to healthcare.
- As a devoted environmentalist, she avoids using plastic.
- The author devotes an entire chapter to deconstructing this complex philosophical argument.
- His devoted service to the institution over four decades was formally recognised.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a VOTE. To DEVOTE yourself to a cause is like giving your entire 'vote' of confidence and effort to it.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMMITMENT IS GIVING A VALUABLE RESOURCE (Time/self is a commodity given to a cause).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating directly as "посвятить" in the sense of "initiate someone into a secret." "Devote" is about allocation, not revelation. "Devote time" = "уделять время", not "посвящать время".
Common Mistakes
- Using 'devote' without 'to' (INCORRECT: 'She devotes her life helping others.' CORRECT: '...to helping others.'). Confusing 'devote' (verb) with 'devout' (adjective, meaning pious).
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'devote' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
'Devote' often implies a more personal, emotional, or wholehearted commitment, especially of one's time or self. 'Dedicate' can be more formal and is often used for public ceremonies (dedicate a monument) or inscriptions (dedicate a book). They are largely interchangeable with 'time/effort/resources to'.
Yes, but it's not very common. The object being given is the subject in the passive (e.g., 'Two chapters are devoted to explaining the methodology'). The person doing the devoting is often omitted.
It is primarily the past participle of the verb 'devote', but it is very commonly used as a standalone adjective meaning 'loyal, loving, or committed' (e.g., a devoted friend, a devoted husband).
The preposition 'to' is mandatory. The pattern is always 'devote [something] to [something else]'.