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. Ecclesiastical.,  Often devotions 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 Word Forms

• predevotion noun
• superdevotion 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

Senesh’s poems and diary have been translated posthumously into more than 20 languages, cementing her legacy as an avatar of religious pride, family devotion and individual sacrifice.

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And so he resolves to repay them in the only way he knows: with labor, with devotion, with the silent caretaking that eventually convinces them they’re being aided by a benevolent forest spirit.

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At Faÿ’s request, she produced a letter to be read at his trial, praising his devotion to Franco-American relations.

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Ms. Manville is extraordinary as Jocasta, ferocious in her devotion to and defense of Oedipus’ interests.

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Putin was one of millions of Soviet schoolchildren who joined the Pioneer and Komsomol youth movements, which taught devotion to communist ideals.

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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.