Devout Meaning and Examples: Devout vs Devoted

Devout (adjective). Devout usually describes someone strongly committed to their religion, or something that expresses religious devotion. It can also express earnest commitment or sincerity.

Example: Her grandfather is devout and makes time for prayer each morning.

Pronunciation guide: dih-VOWT; the final syllable rhymes with out. Capital letters show the stressed syllable.

Explore the usage · Try the three-question quiz · Keep learning

How to use devout

Use devout before a noun or after a linking verb: “a devout believer,” “devout worshippers,” or “She is devout.” The word describes commitment, rather than naming a particular religion.

It can also appear outside religion: “a devout supporter of the arts” describes strong dedication, while “a devout hope” expresses deep sincerity. For ordinary work or family commitment, devoted is often the more natural choice.

Devout in sentences

• The devout visitors paused to pray before entering the shrine.
• He remained devout throughout his life.
• The collector was a devout admirer of traditional pottery.
• She expressed a devout hope that the families would be reunited.

Choose examples that make the intended meaning clear. Describing someone as devout does not by itself establish their character, kindness or agreement with other people.

Devout, devote and devoted: which word fits?

• Devout is an adjective: “He is a devout believer.”
• Devote is a verb meaning to give time, attention or effort to something: “I devote ten minutes to reading each day.”
• Devoted is the past tense of devote: “She devoted Saturday to the project.” It is also an adjective: “a devoted friend.”

Use the pattern devote something to something, including an -ing form: “They devote time to practising.” Write “She is devoted to her students” for strong dedication to them.

Devouted is not the standard form. Use devoted for the verb’s past tense, or devout for the religious adjective: “He was devout,” not “He was devouted.”

Related forms and origin

Devoutly is the adverb: “They prayed devoutly.” Devoutness is the noun for the quality: “The biography describes her devoutness.”

The word reached English through French from Latin devotus, connected with dedication or a vow. Its religious use remains especially common, but the context can indicate a broader sincere commitment.

Practise devout: three quick questions

Try each question before opening its answer. If a question asks you to write a sentence, your own correct example is welcome.

Question 1

Choose the word: “I ___ half an hour to writing every evening.” Devout, devote or devoutly?

Question 2

Correct this sentence: “She devouted the weekend to helping her neighbour.”

Question 3

Rewrite “They offered devout prayers” using an adverb.

Keep learning

Watch How to pronounce DEVOUT in British English by English with Collins Dictionary on YouTube.

Compare these words next: Serene meaning and practice and Placid meaning and practice.

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Dictionary reference: Merriam-Webster: Devout. The examples and practice questions on this page are written for English Skill Studio.