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 Gromit, Wallace and Gromit franchise (1989–present) Sidekick to: Wallace Loyal doesn't even begin to describe the depth of Gromit's canine devotion. Ew Staff Updated, EW.com, 6 Mar. 2024 There was also an abundance of objects of religious devotion, such as rosaries and crucifixes. Moira Ritter, Miami Herald, 5 Mar. 2024 Secular efforts to draw the ultra-Orthodox into the army and the work force have angered many Haredim, who see army service as a threat to their lives of religious devotion. Natan Odenheimer, New York Times, 4 Mar. 2024 The fans chanted and sang, waved towels in the air, and clacked together plastic bats to show their devotion. Helen Schulman, Travel + Leisure, 2 Mar. 2024 To be actively loyal, your words and actions are solely based on proving your devotion. Theodore McDarrah, Forbes, 29 Feb. 2024 Many disillusioned Venezuelans have emigrated, but some retain their blind devotion to Chavismo. Paula Ramón, Foreign Affairs, 20 Feb. 2024 Hugo and Mariana form an intimate yet complex bond of love, loyalty and devotion — one that will change their lives forever. Alex Ritman, Variety, 18 Feb. 2024 This Film was made to thank my Brazilian fans for their love and devotion. Gil Kaufman, Billboard, 22 Feb. 2024

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 Mar. 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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