Meaning of devote in English

Table of contents

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 »
Derived terms
2. dedicate
Examples
- « give thought to »
- « give priority to »
- « pay attention to »
3. set aside or apart for a specific purpose or use
Examples
- « this land was devoted to mining »

Famous quotes

« Shun no toil to make yourself remarkable by some talent or other yet do not devote yourself to one branch exclusively. Strive to get clear notions about all. Give up no science entirely for science is but one. »
Lucius Annaeus Seneca
« I'm not really easy to live with! There needs to be unlimited patience and unconditional love. Men I've known before loved my independent spirit and were proud of my success, to the point that they'd become jealous of the time I devote to my career. »
Milla Jovovich
« A man may devote himself to death and destruction to save a nation but no nation will devote itself to death and destruction to save mankind. »
Samuel Taylor Coleridge
« Every Wednesday, my husband and I have a study group with our friends. I attend church. We try to devote time in the morning, say a prayer. »
Carrie Underwood
« The average person puts only 25% of his energy and ability into his work. The world takes off its hat to those who put in more than 50% of their capacity, and stands on its head for those few and far between souls who devote 100%. »
Andrew Carnegie