Devote: meaning, definitions and examples

used when someone gives a large amount of their time, effort, or resources to a particular task or purpose.

• She decided to devote herself to teaching underprivileged children.
• He devotes several hours every week to volunteer work.

appropriate when showing a deep level of loyalty or affection towards a task, cause, or person, often implying a heartfelt and earnest effort.

• The book is dedicated to his parents.
• She dedicated her life to finding a cure for the disease.

used when making a decision to do something and promising to stick with it, often implying a serious or long-term obligation.

• He committed to improving his fitness by going to the gym every day.
• She has committed to finishing the project by the deadline.

typically used when making a formal or solemn promise to do or support something, often in a public manner.

• The members pledged to support the new community initiative.
• He pledged allegiance to the flag.

used when giving up something valuable or important for the sake of other considerations, often with a sense of loss or difficulty.

• She made many sacrifices to ensure her children had a good education.
• He sacrificed his own happiness for the well-being of his family.

Use this word when discussing commitment of time, energy, or resources to a specific cause, task, or purpose. It often implies a strong sense of loyalty or passion.

• She decided to devote her life to helping the less fortunate.
• He devotes two hours daily to practicing the piano.

This word is typically used in a religious or formal context to describe something that is made or declared sacred. It implies a solemn and official act.

• The church was consecrated in a ceremony attended by hundreds.
• The bishop will consecrate the new altar next Sunday.

This word is often used to show a serious commitment or allocation of resources, time, or efforts to a specific purpose or task. It can also be used to honor someone by naming an object or work after them.

• They dedicated the new library to a former mayor.
• She dedicated her book to her parents.

This word is typically used in a religious context to refer to making something holy or sacred. It can also mean to honor something as holy.

• This ground is hallowed by the blood of the soldiers who fought here.
• Let us hallow this day with our prayers and reflections.

This word also carries a religious connotation and means to make something holy or purify it. It can be used in a broader sense to indicate making something extremely clean or morally pure.

• The ritual is intended to sanctify the water for the baptism.
• They hoped that their efforts would sanctify their community.