devotion
/dɪˈvoʊʃən/
noun
Origin
Latin
devotio — a consecrating, a setting apart by vow
Overview
Meaning Now
- Love, loyalty, or enthusiasm for a person, activity, or cause.
- Religious worship or observance; prayers or other religious exercises.
Literal older meaning
a solemn dedication or consecration
Language path
Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
devocioun
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The term originally carried a grim sense in ancient Roman usage, where 'devotio' was a military ritual in which a general would sacrifice his own life to the gods to secure victory in battle. Through Christian Latin, the sense shifted from a military vow of death to a religious vow of piety.
Evolution
- Latin
devotio
“solemn dedication; vow”
From 'devovere' (to vow away, dedicate).
- Old French
devocion
“religious zeal; piety”
- Middle English
devocioun
“religious service; prayer”
- Modern English
devotion
“strong attachment; religious observance”
Connections
Word parts
de-
prefix
away; down; off
vot
root
to vow or promise
-ion
suffix
state or action
Related across languages
French
dévotion
devotion
Spanish
devoción
devotion
Related words
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External references use DefinedTerm semantics.