self-devotion
Americannoun
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intense devotion of oneself to an activity or to a field or profession, as art or science.
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devotion of oneself to the care or service of another or others; self-sacrifice.
Her self-devotion to her sick mother prevented her from finishing college.
Other Word Forms
Derived Forms
Etymology
Origin of self-devotion
First recorded in 1805–15
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
The lesser-known “vulnerable” variety of self-devotion afflicts more reserved, fragile individuals who may resemble the self-effacing and thin-skinned characters portrayed by Woody Allen in his films.
From Scientific American • Feb. 5, 2013
"No man in the world was ever so sincere and modest in his self-devotion," wrote Marie in her secret notebook.
From Time Magazine Archive
"All instances of patriotism, or of self-devotion for the general good, are undoubtedly affecting," observed Sophia.
From Pencil Sketches or, Outlines of Character and Manners by Leslie, Eliza
They owe each other secrecy when they mutually entrust their dearest interests; they owe each other self-devotion when they need each other’s help.
From Elements of Morals With Special Application of the Moral Law to the Duties of the Individual and of Society and the State by Janet, Paul
The love of country, patriotic self-devotion, and ardour, have no place in such concerns....
From Privateers and Privateering by Statham, E. P.
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
