Meaning of devote in English

  1. Pronunciation

    /dəˈvoʊt/

    US accent Play button

    UK accent Play button

  1. Verb

    devote

    Etymology

    late 16th century (in the sense ‘dedicate formally, consecrate’): from Latin devot-‘consecrated’, from the verb devovere, from de-‘formally’ + vovere‘to vow’

    Definitions

    1. give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause

    Examples

    • « She committed herself to the work of God »
    • « give one's talents to a good cause »
    • « consecrate your life to the church »
  2. 2. dedicate

    Examples

    • « give thought to »
    • « give priority to »
    • « pay attention to »
  3. 3. set aside or apart for a specific purpose or use

    Examples

    • « this land was devoted to mining »