devotion

noun

de·​vo·​tion di-ˈvō-shən How to pronounce devotion (audio)
dē-
1
a
: religious fervor : piety
b
: an act of prayer or private worship
usually used in plural
during his morning devotions
c
: a religious exercise or practice other than the regular corporate (see corporate sense 2) worship of a congregation
2
a
: the act of dedicating something to a cause, enterprise, or activity : the act of devoting
the devotion of a great deal of time and energy
b
: the fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal
her devotion to the cause
filial devotion
3
obsolete : the object of one's devotion

Did you know?

Devotion Has Latin Roots

Devotion and the verb devote come from the act of taking a vow (the Latin verb vovēre means "to vow"). Devote was once used as an adjective that could mean either "devout" or "devoted." While devout implies faithfulness of a religious nature ("a devout parishioner), devoted refers to one's commitment to another through love and loyalty ("a singer's devoted fans").

Choose the Right Synonym for devotion

fidelity, allegiance, fealty, loyalty, devotion, piety mean faithfulness to something to which one is bound by pledge or duty.

fidelity implies strict and continuing faithfulness to an obligation, trust, or duty.

marital fidelity

allegiance suggests an adherence like that of citizens to their country.

pledging allegiance

fealty implies a fidelity acknowledged by the individual and as compelling as a sworn vow.

fealty to the truth

loyalty implies a faithfulness that is steadfast in the face of any temptation to renounce, desert, or betray.

valued the loyalty of his friends

devotion stresses zeal and service amounting to self-dedication.

a painter's devotion to her art

piety stresses fidelity to obligations regarded as natural and fundamental.

filial piety

Examples of devotion in a Sentence

She has cared for the poor with selfless devotion. The devotion they felt for each other was obvious. The project will require the devotion of a great deal of time and money. They spend an hour each morning at their devotions.
Recent Examples on the Web Despite outstanding professionalism and devotion to public service, FHP is being forced to do much more, with much less, making highway safety objectives impossible to attain. Paul Novack, Sun Sentinel, 6 Aug. 2024 Latvian immigrant Ed Leedskalnin spent 28 years excavating and carving 1,100 tons of coral rock to prove his eternal devotion to a love who spurned him. Miami Herald Archives, Miami Herald, 25 July 2024 Already something of a cult figure among his base, Trump’s survival and defiance strengthened that devotion and added a quasi-religious element, as well. Bill Goodykoontz, The Arizona Republic, 15 July 2024 The couple’s devotion to one another was unwavering until the end. Emma Seiwell, New York Daily News, 7 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for devotion 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'devotion.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

see devote

First Known Use

13th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Time Traveler
The first known use of devotion was in the 13th century

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Dictionary Entries Near devotion

Cite this Entry

“Devotion.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devotion. Accessed 19 Aug. 2024.

Kids Definition

devotion

noun
de·​vo·​tion di-ˈvō-shən How to pronounce devotion (audio)
1
a
: strong religious feeling
b
: a religious exercise or practice other than the regular worship of a congregation
2
a
: the act of devoting or the quality of being devoted
b
: strong love, affection, or dedication
devotional
-shnəl
-shən-ᵊl
adjective
devotionally
adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on devotion

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