Devote Meaning
/dɪˈvəʊt/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
Listen pronunciation
Definition
verbto give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter; to consecrate.
verbto consign over; to doom
Sentence Examples
Devote your whole attention to your duties.
I intend to devote a few hours a day to the study of English.
I will devote myself to studying for the entrance exams.
CEFR Practice Quiz
She decided to ____ her entire life to helping homeless animals.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ your whole attention to your duties.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from Latin dēvōtus, past participle of Latin dēvoveō (“dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, promise solemnly”). Doublet of devow; see also devout. Displaced native Middle English ēstful, from Old English ēstful.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"He is the Chief of this far Countrey; and to his service, carnal and wicked men devote themselves."
— 1678, Obadiah Grew, Meditations Upon Our Saviour's Parable of The Prodigal Son:
"a leafless and simple branch […] devoted to the purpose of climbing"
— 1879, Asa Gray, Botanical Text-book:
"A world devote to universal wrack"
— 1667, John Milton, “(please specify the page number)”, in Paradise Lost. […], London: […] [Samuel Simmons], and are to be sold by Peter Parker […]; [a]nd by Robert Boulter […]; [a]nd Matthias Walker, […], →OCLC; republished as Paradise Lost in Ten Books: […], London: Basil Montagu Pickering […], 1873, →OCLC:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
She decided to ____ her entire life to helping homeless animals.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
____ your whole attention to your duties.