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Devoted

adj. kind, resilient warm

What it means

Meaning 1

Shows enduring love through loyalty, attention, and care.

Reach for it when honoring a close relationship sustained by affectionate action

Her devoted grandfather learned every song for the school concert.

Meaning 2

Gives sustained energy and loyalty to a cause or responsibility.

Reach for it when praising long service to work, a community, or a principle

A devoted conservationist, Arun spent thirty years restoring the marsh.

How strong it is

  1. subtle FondSympathetic
  2. noticeable CaringAffectionate
  3. strong TenderConnected
  4. intense TrustingCompassionate
  5. peak LovingDevoted

Devoted is peak (5 of 5) among the warmth words, from subtle to peak. The scale compares words; it does not measure a person. All warmth words

Words to choose between 8

By register, from playful at the top to literary at the bottom, and by meaning across. Tap a word to see when it fits.
Meaning 1Meaning 2
playful
everyday
warm
professional
formal
literary

Meaning 1: Shows enduring love through loyalty, attention, and care.

  • playful

    doting

    Fits when fond attention is abundant and slightly indulgent

    Careful It may hint at excessive fussing, so it is risky when balanced, respectful care is meant.

  • everyday

    affectionate

    Fits when warmth is openly expressed in words or touch

    Careful A reserved caregiver may be devoted without behaving demonstratively enough for this word.

  • warm

    loving

    Fits when affection itself is the message

    Careful Love can be deeply felt without the sustained attention and loyalty implied by devoted.

  • formal

    loyal

    Fits when faithfulness through changing circumstances is central

    Careful Loyal describes allegiance and can omit the tenderness that devoted brings to a card.

Meaning 2: Gives sustained energy and loyalty to a cause or responsibility.

  • professional

    committed

    Fits when a conscious promise or obligation sustains the work

    Careful The word can report a decision without conveying enthusiasm or affection.

  • professional

    dedicated

    Fits when reliable effort toward work or service is the evidence

    Careful In a close personal tribute it can sound occupational and cooler than devoted.

  • formal

    zealous

    Fits when energetic belief drives unusually active support

    Careful Zeal can become excessive or partisan; devoted is safer for steady, measured service.

  • literary

    steadfast

    Fits when service remains firm during adversity

    Careful No test or opposition means the added note of endurance may be unearned.

Opposites 4

  • indifferent
  • disloyal
  • uncommitted
  • apathetic

Common phrases 4

  • devoted friend

    Her devoted friend brought dinner and stayed for the difficult phone call.

  • devoted parent

    A devoted parent, Luis made room for both comfort and independence.

  • devoted teacher

    The devoted teacher kept a shelf of books chosen for each reluctant reader.

  • devoted to the cause

    Devoted to the cause, Mina organized the legal records for twenty years.

Word family 1

Definitions and examples are written for this site. How words are chosen Recording: Dvortygirl, American accent, from Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 3.0 Updated