devotion

[ dih-voh-shuhn ]

noun

1. profound dedication, especially to religion.
2. earnest attachment to a cause, person, etc.

   Synonyms: ardor, zeal

3. an assignment or appropriation to any purpose, cause, etc.:

   the devotion of one's wealth and time to scientific advancement.

4. Often devotions. Ecclesiastical. religious observance or worship; a form of prayer or worship for special use.

devotion

/ dɪˈvəʊʃən /

noun

1. often foll by to strong attachment (to) or affection (for a cause, person, etc) marked by dedicated loyalty
2. religious zeal; piety
3. often plural religious observance or prayers

Other Words From

• prede·votion noun
• super·de·votion noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of devotion¹

First recorded in 1150–1200; Middle English devocioun, from Anglo-French, from Late Latin dēvōtiōn-, stem of dēvōtiō “consecration, enchantment, vow”; equivalent to devote + -ion

Example Sentences

“Most of those ideas are sinkholes for government spending, which is ironic given the Trump administration’s purported devotion to efficiency.”

From Los Angeles Times

Mrs Justice Morgan said Ms Braqi loved Ayden "with a devotion which is hard to put into words" adding that the case was one of "desperate sadness".

From BBC

For all his purported devotion to sameness, at the top of this season Laszlo pompously announced that he forbade Nadja from getting a job and having regular contact with the world.

From Salon

To witness them supporting one another musically and showing inspiring devotion to a frail Barenboim, suffering from a debilitating neurological disease, may be the only gleam of hope we have for peace.

From Los Angeles Times

“A prolific genius ❤️ You have honored him gracefully and with devotion in so many ways. Thank you for sharing him through your eyes with all of us ❤️❤️❤️” said actor Ilana Glazer.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• adherence
• adoration
• affection
• allegiance
• attachment
• dedication
• deference
• enthusiasm
• faithfulness
• fealty
• fervor
• fidelity
• intensity
• love
• passion
• piety
• reverence
• sincerity
• worship
• zeal

When To Use

What are other ways to say devotion?

The noun devotion refers to profound dedication or earnest attachment to a cause, person, or deity. How does devotion compare to love and affection? Learn more on Thesaurus.com.