devote
UK[dɪˈvəʊt]US[dɪˈvoʊt]
v
To give most of your time, energy, or resources to a particular person, activity, or cause.
v
To set apart or dedicate something for a specific purpose or use.
Morpheme Breakdown
de
vote
de
completely
vote
to vow
Etymology
The word "devote" originates from the Latin verb 'devovere', which is a compound of the intensive prefix 'de-' and 'vovere', meaning "to vow". This literal sense of "to vow solemnly" or "to consecrate by a vow" was used in religious and formal contexts. Over time, the meaning broadened from a sacred pledge to any act of dedicating oneself or something else with deep commitment. The modern abstract sense retains this core idea of complete dedication, transferring the solemnity of a religious vow to secular pursuits and personal passions.
Analysis
Structure: de (completely) + vote (to vow)
de: Latin origin, a prefix meaning "completely, down, away".
vote: From Latin 'votum', meaning "a vow, a wish, a promise".
Examples
She decided to devote her life to medical research.
The museum devotes an entire wing to modern art.
He devotes two hours every evening to practicing the piano.