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

It’s terrifying to love someone this much, to give them the full force of your devotion only to get locked outside.

From Los Angeles Times

Steve Annear was struck by Gibson’s devotion to seeking a Parkinson’s cure, which had become the focus of the Kirk Gibson Foundation.

From Los Angeles Times

And yet these big gatherings are not where I hear the devotion.

From Los Angeles Times

"She was loved and admired across the globe for her steadfast devotion to duty, borne with grace, decency and restraint."

From BBC

But the movie’s thoughts about pain and devotion and locker-room manipulation are still gestating.

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.