What is devoted? Pronunciation and usage in English

devoted means . Learn how to pronounce and use devoted through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of devoted

devotedadjective

/dɪˈvəʊtɪd/
Definition & pronunciation of devoted

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "devoted" in English. Here's a breakdown and a few ways to approach it:

1. The Core Sound:

  • "de": This sounds like "dee" as in "deep." It's a clear, short "dee" sound.
  • "vot": This is the trickiest part. It sounds like "vote" but with a softer "t" at the end. Think of it as similar to the "vo" in "vogue".
  • "ed": This sounds like "ed" as in "bedded" (the -ed ending).

2. Putting it Together - Phonetics (IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet):

The most accurate phonetic transcription is: /dɪˈvɑːtɪd/

Let's break that down:

  • dɪ: As we discussed, "dee"
  • ˈvɑːtɪd: This is where it gets a little more nuanced.
    • ˈvɑː: This is the "vot" sound – almost like "vote" but a little softer. The stress (indicated by the apostrophe) is on this syllable.
    • tɪd: "tihd" - "t" as in "top", "ih" as in "it", and "d" as in "dog".

3. A Helpful Breakdown & Example Pronunciation:

Here’s how you can say it step-by-step:

  1. "dee" (like the word "deep")
  2. "vote" (but soften the "t" - almost like "vo-t")
  3. "ed" (like the word "bedded")

So, it sounds like: "dee-vo-ted" (with that softened "vo" sound)

4. Tips for Getting it Right:

  • Don't overemphasize the "t": The "t" in "vot" is not pronounced as a hard "t" like in "top". It’s a softer sound.
  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search for "how to pronounce devoted" on YouTube or use online dictionaries like Merriam-Webster or Cambridge Dictionary, which offer audio pronunciations. (Just Google "devoted pronunciation").

Resources to Listen:

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  • Give you a longer example sentence to say along with me?

Usage and examples with the word devoted in English

Let's break down how to use the word "devoted" in English. It's a rich word with several nuanced meanings, so understanding those nuances is key.

1. Core Meaning: Deeply Committed & Loyal

At its heart, “devoted” describes a strong, unwavering commitment and loyalty to someone or something. It goes beyond simple affection; it implies a passionate dedication.

  • Example: "She was devoted to her husband and family, always putting their needs first." (This means she was deeply committed to their well-being.)
  • Example: "The rescue dog was incredibly devoted to its owner, following them everywhere." (Shows loyalty and unwavering attention.)

2. Different Ways to Use "Devoted" – With Specific Targets

Here's how "devoted" is frequently used with different subjects:

  • To a Person (Often Romantic): This is the most common usage.
    • Example: "He’s a devoted partner, always supportive and loving."
    • Example: "They were devoted to each other throughout their long marriage."
  • To a Cause/Belief/Activity: It implies passionate engagement.
    • Example: “She’s devoted to environmental conservation.” (She’s wholeheartedly dedicated to it.)
    • Example: “A devoted volunteer, he spends countless hours at the animal shelter.”
  • To an Animal: (Often with a strong sense of affection and responsibility)
    • Example: “The cat was devoted to its owner, sleeping at their feet every night.”
    • Example: "He raised his horses with devotion and care."
  • To a Religion/Faith: Signifies strong belief and commitment to practices.
    • Example: "A devoted member of the church, she regularly attends services and volunteers."

3. Adjectives & Adverbs – Intensifying "Devoted"

You can add words to enhance the intensity of "devoted":

  • Deeply Devoted: "They were deeply devoted to each other." (Stronger than simply "devoted")
  • Unconditionally Devoted: “She was devoted to her son unconditionally.” (Meaning her love and commitment were without limits).
  • Devotedly: (adverb - used to describe how someone is devoted) "She worked devotedly to achieve her goals."

4. Synonyms (Words with Similar Meanings)

Knowing synonyms can help you choose the best word for a particular context:

  • Loyal
  • Faithful
  • Dedicated
  • Committed
  • Passionate
  • Devoted (can sometimes be used interchangeably, but “devoted” carries a stronger emotional weight)

5. Things to Watch Out For:

  • Overuse: "Devoted" is a beautiful word, but avoid using it too frequently. Sometimes a simpler word like "committed" or "loyal" will be more effective.

Resources for Further Learning:

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  • Is there a particular context you're thinking about (e.g., a romantic relationship, a hobby, a social cause)?

Synonyms for the word devoted

Practice with vocabulary devoted

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Dr. Anya Sharma has been a researcher in molecular biology for over two decades, truly ______ to finding a cure for neurodegenerative diseases.
  2. The company's marketing team has ______ its efforts to developing a new digital campaign that targets younger demographics.
  3. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the project manager remained ______ to the original vision, ensuring the team stayed on track.
  4. Employees are expected to arrive on time and be fully ______ on their tasks during working hours, avoiding personal distractions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. Which word(s) best describe(s) someone who shows great loyalty and affection towards their family or a cause? A) indifferent B) devoted C) negligent D) committed E) distant

  2. If a significant portion of a company's budget is set aside for research and development, how might you describe that allocation? A) The budget is vaguely distributed. B) The budget is arbitrarily assigned. C) The budget is devoted to R&D. D) The budget is concentrated on R&D. E) The budget is diverted from R&D.

  3. A successful entrepreneur often needs to be highly ______ to their business ventures, spending long hours and personal energy to achieve goals. A) hesitant B) dedicated C) devoted D) passive E) unconcerned

  4. The new policy requires all staff members to be fully ______ in the training sessions to ensure proper implementation of the software. A) unconcerned B) involved C) detached D) engaged E) hesitant

  5. Which of the following adjectives describe a person who is diligent and persistent in their work? A) meticulous B) lax C) assiduous D) careless E) superficial

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The veteran diplomat dedicated his entire career to fostering international peace and understanding. Rewrite using a form of "devoted":

  2. She spent countless hours practicing her legal arguments, showing profound dedication to her clients' cases. Rewrite using "devoted" or a related word form:

  3. Our team members are very loyal to achieving the project's objectives, even when challenges arise. Rewrite without using "devoted", but using a suitable replacement word:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Dr. Anya Sharma has been a researcher in molecular biology for over two decades, truly devoted to finding a cure for neurodegenerative diseases.
  2. The company's marketing team has devoted its efforts to developing a new digital campaign that targets younger demographics.
  3. Despite facing numerous setbacks, the project manager remained committed to the original vision, ensuring the team stayed on track.
  4. Employees are expected to arrive on time and be fully focused on their tasks during working hours, avoiding personal distractions.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. B) devoted, D) committed
  2. C) The budget is devoted to R&D., D) The budget is concentrated on R&D.
  3. B) dedicated, C) devoted
  4. B) involved, D) engaged
  5. A) meticulous, C) assiduous

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The veteran diplomat was devoted to fostering international peace and understanding throughout his entire career.
  2. She spent countless hours practicing her legal arguments, showing profound devotion to her clients' cases.
  3. Our team members are very loyal to achieving the project's objectives, even when challenges arise.

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