Dedicate vs. Devote: What's the Difference?
Edited by Harlon Moss || By Janet White || Updated on October 12, 2023
Dedicate means to set aside or commit for a specific purpose, while Devote means to give one's time, effort, or self wholeheartedly.
Key Differences
Dedicate often implies a formal act of setting something aside for a particular purpose, while Devote suggests a commitment of time, resources, or self to a cause or activity. For instance, an author might dedicate a book to someone they admire, whereas they might devote years of their life to its writing.
Dedicate is frequently used in the context of assigning or committing a specific thing for a task, project, or honor. In contrast, Devote usually describes a broader, more personal commitment. A building might be dedicated to a notable figure, while an individual might devote their career to studying that figure's achievements.
When we use Dedicate, it often signifies a one-time event or gesture. On the other hand, Devote typically indicates a prolonged or continuous commitment. A person could dedicate a song to someone special during a concert, but that same person might devote their entire concert tour to raising awareness for a cause.
In certain scenarios, Dedicate can be associated with honor or tribute. Devote, on the other hand, can imply a sense of sacrifice or selflessness. A park could be dedicated in the memory of a community leader, while a philanthropist might devote their wealth to bettering that community.
Both Dedicate and Devote suggest commitment, but where Dedicate often refers to things, Devote often emphasizes the personal, emotional, or prolonged nature of the commitment. One might dedicate a tree planting event to environmental awareness, but an activist might devote their life to environmental causes.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Usage
Set aside for a specific purpose
Commit time, effort, or self
Context
Often a specific item or event
Broader, personal commitment
Duration
Often a one-time act
Prolonged or continuous
Connotation
Can imply honor or tribute
Suggests sacrifice or selflessness
Common Objects
Books, buildings, events
Time, life, career
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Dedicate and Devote Definitions
Dedicate
Dedicateo allocate resources or time for a specific purpose.
We need to dedicate more funds to this initiative.
Devote
To assign for a particular use or purpose.
We'll devote this room to storage.
Dedicate
Dedicateo set apart for a special use.
He decided to dedicate the room as his home office.
Devote
To consecrate or set apart religiously.
The priest devoted the bread and wine during the ceremony.
Dedicate
Dedicateo address or inscribe something as a mark of respect or affection.
He dedicated his book to his late mother.
Devote
To dedicate with a sense of purpose.
She devoted her efforts to improving the community.
Dedicate
Dedicateo commit to a task or purpose.
She dedicated herself to finishing the project on time.
Devote
To give over or direct toward a pursuit.
She's devoted her career to scientific research.
Dedicate
To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.
Devote
To give or apply (one's time, attention, or self, for example) entirely to a particular activity, pursuit, cause, or person.
Dedicate
To set apart for a special use
Dedicated their money to scientific research.
Devote
To set apart for a specific purpose or use
Land devoted to mining.
Dedicate
To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action
Dedicated ourselves to starting our own business.
Devote
To give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter
They devoted their lives to following Jesus Christ.
I devoted this afternoon to repainting my study, and nothing will get in my way.
Dedicate
To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection.
Devote
To consign over; to doom
To devote one to destruction
The city was devoted to the flames.
Dedicate
To open (a building, for example) to public use.
Devote
To execrate; to curse
Dedicate
To show to the public for the first time
Dedicate a monument.
Devote
(obsolete) devoted; addicted; devout
Dedicate
(transitive) To set apart for a deity or for religious purposes; consecrate.
Devote
To appropriate by vow; to set apart or dedicate by a solemn act; to consecrate; also, to consign over; to doom; to evil; to devote one to destruction; the city was devoted to the flames.
No devoted thing that a man shall devote unto the Lord . . . shall be sold or redeemed.
Dedicate
(transitive) To set apart for a special use
Dedicated their money to scientific research.
Devote
To execrate; to curse.
Dedicate
(transitive) To commit (oneself) to a particular course of thought or action
Dedicated ourselves to starting our own business.
Devote
To give up wholly; to addict; to direct the attention of wholly or compound; to attach; - often with a reflexive pronoun; as, to devote one's self to science, to one's friends, to piety, etc.
Thy servant who is devoted to thy fear.
They devoted themselves unto all wickedness.
A leafless and simple branch . . . devoted to the purpose of climbing.
Dedicate
(transitive) To address or inscribe (a literary work, for example) to another as a mark of respect or affection.
Devote
Devoted; addicted; devout.
Dedicate
(transitive) To open (a building, for example) to public use.
Devote
A devotee.
Dedicate
(transitive) To show to the public for the first time
Dedicate a monument.
Devote
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Dedicate
(obsolete) Dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.
Devote
Dedicate;
Give thought to
Give priority to
Pay attention to
Dedicate
One who dedicates themself, or who is dedicated, to the service of some leader, religion, etc.
Devote
Set aside or apart for a specific purpose or use;
This land was devoted to mining
Dedicate
Dedicated; set apart; devoted; consecrated.
Devote
To commit wholeheartedly or earnestly.
He decided to devote his time to charity.
Dedicate
To set apart and consecrate, as to a divinity, or for sacred uses; to devote formally and solemnly; as, to dedicate vessels, treasures, a temple, or a church, to a religious use.
Vessels of silver, and vessels of gold, . . . which also king David did dedicate unto the Lord.
We have come to dedicate a portion of that field as a final resting place for those who here gave their lives that that nation might live. . . . But in a larger sense we can not dedicate, we can not consecrate, we can not hallow this ground.
Dedicate
To devote, set apart, or give up, as one's self, to a duty or service.
The profession of a soldier, to which he had dedicated himself.
Dedicate
To inscribe or address, as to a patron.
He complied ten elegant books, and dedicated them to the Lord Burghley.
Dedicate
Give entirely to a specific person, activity, or cause;
She committed herself to the work of God
Give one's talents to a good cause
Consecrate your life to the church
Dedicate
Open to public use, as of a highway, park, or building;
The Beauty Queen spends her time dedicating parks and nursing homes
Dedicate
Inscribe or address by way of compliment;
She dedicated her book to her parents
Dedicate
Set apart to sacred uses with solemn rites, of a church
Dedicate
Dedicateo consecrate or sanctify.
The church was dedicated last Sunday.
FAQs
Does Devote usually indicate a longer-term commitment?
Yes, devote typically suggests a prolonged or continuous commitment.
What does Dedicate primarily imply?
Dedicate primarily means to set aside or commit something for a specific purpose.
Is Devote more about a personal commitment?
Yes, devote often implies a personal, wholehearted commitment.
Can a book be dedicated?
Yes, an author can dedicate a book to someone as a mark of respect or affection.
Can Dedicate be used in the context of a tribute?
Yes, something can be dedicated as a mark of respect or honor.
Which word is more likely used with "life" or "career"?
Devote is more commonly used in such contexts, like "devote one's life" or "devote one's career."
Can Dedicate refer to a one-time event?
Often, dedicate can signify a one-time gesture or event.
What's a religious context for Dedicate?
In religious contexts, a church or a temple might be dedicated to a deity or purpose.
Can Devote have religious connotations?
Yes, items or time can be devoted for religious purposes or ceremonies.
Can a building be dedicated?
Yes, a building can be dedicated to a notable figure or a specific purpose.
Can one Devote themselves to studying?
Yes, someone can devote themselves to studying or learning about a particular subject.
Can you Devote your life to a cause?
Yes, one can devote their life to a specific cause or purpose.
Is Dedicate more formal than Devote?
Dedicate can often have a more formal connotation, especially when referring to official ceremonies or tributes.
Can a song be dedicated?
Yes, a song can be dedicated to someone special or a particular cause.
Can time be dedicated?
Time can be dedicated to a task, implying it's set aside specifically for that.
Which word suggests a sense of sacrifice?
Devote can imply a sense of sacrifice or selflessness.
Can you Devote resources to a project?
Yes, resources can be devoted to a specific project or cause.
Is Devote about giving something wholeheartedly?
Yes, to devote often means to give something, like time or effort, wholeheartedly.
Which word often indicates a one-time act?
Dedicate often indicates a one-time act or gesture.
In which scenarios is Devote commonly used?
Devote is often used in scenarios indicating commitment, such as devoting time to a hobby or oneself to a cause.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
