What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devote
Example
She devoted her life to helping others. [devoted: past tense]
Example
He is devoted to his family and spends all his free time with them. [devoted: adjective]
dedicate
Example
The author dedicated her book to her parents. [dedicated: past tense]
Example
I want to dedicate myself to learning a new language. [dedicate: verb]
Example
The park was dedicated to the memory of the town's founder. [dedicated: past participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Dedicate is more commonly used than devote in formal or public contexts, such as dedicating a building or monument. However, devote is more versatile and can be used in both personal and professional contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devote and dedicate?
Dedicate is generally considered more formal than devote, although both words can be used in various formality levels depending on the context.
