ENGLISH
REFERENCE

devoted

adj. · v.
US //dɪˈvoʊtɪd// UK //dɪvˈəʊtɪd// de·vot·ed
  1. 1 loyal and loving (adj.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    having great love or loyalty for someone or something.

    characterised by strong emotional attachment or profound loyalty toward a person, cause, or pursuit.

    Example

    He is a devoted father who spends every weekend playing with his children.

    Example

    Despite the long hours and modest pay, she remained a devoted teacher, spending her evenings preparing lessons that would engage her most struggling students.

    Usage

    Always followed by the preposition 'to' when an object is specified.

    Pitfall
    He is devoted with his work.
    He is devoted to his work.

    The adjective 'devoted' always takes the preposition 'to'.

  2. 2 dedicated to a purpose (adj.)
    C1 Advanced Formal

    used only for one particular purpose or activity.

    exclusively dedicated or consecrated to a specific function, purpose, or deity.

    Example

    This small chapel is devoted to the memory of the soldiers who died in the war.

    Example

    The final section of the report is devoted entirely to the long-term environmental impacts of the proposed industrial expansion.

    Usage

    Often used in religious or highly formal administrative contexts.

Show 1 more senseShow fewer
  1. 3 past tense of devote (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    the past tense of 'devote', meaning you gave your time or effort to something.

    the past tense and past participle of the transitive verb 'devote', meaning to give or apply entirely to a particular activity.

    Example

    She devoted her whole life to helping the poor in her city.

    Example

    Having devoted several decades to the study of ancient manuscripts, the professor was finally able to publish his definitive translation.

Origin

From devote + -ed.

© 2026 English Reference