What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
votary
Example
As a votary of Buddhism, she meditates every day. [votary: noun]
Example
He was a votary of the environmental movement and worked tirelessly to promote sustainability. [votary: adjective]
devotee
Example
She was a devotee of classical music and attended every concert in town. [devotee: noun]
Example
He was a devotee of his wife and did everything he could to make her happy. [devotee: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Devotee is more commonly used than votary in everyday language. Devotee is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while votary is less common and refers specifically to religious devotion.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between votary and devotee?
Votary is typically associated with a more formal tone due to its religious connotation, while devotee can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.