devotion
pronunciation
How to pronounce devotion in British English:
UK [dɪˈvəʊʃn]
How to pronounce devotion in American English:
US [dɪˈvoʊʃn]
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- Noun:
- feelings of ardent love
- commitment to some purpose
- religious zeal; willingness to serve God
- (usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently)
Word Origin
- devotion (n.)
- early 13c., from Old French devocion "devotion, piety," from Latin devotionem (nominative devotio), noun of action from past participle stem of devovere "dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, promise solemnly," from de- "down, away" (see de-) + vovere "to vow," from votum "vow" (see vow (n.)). In ancient Latin, "act of consecrating by a vow," also "loyalty, fealty, allegiance;" in Church Latin, "devotion to God, piety." This was the original sense in English; the etymological sense, including secular situations, returned 16c. via Italian and French.
Example
- 1. His devotion to family remained constant throughout his life .
- 2. Employees were expected to admire and emulate this devotion .
- 3. And the bosses recognize his devotion and applaud it often .
- 4. Gaddafi has also displayed a particular devotion to the colour .
- 5. The closest element to a religion was devotion to kim , whose death was announced sunday .