| 释义 |
de·vo·tion
\-ōshən\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: Middle English devocioun, from Old French devotion, from Late Latin devotion-, devotio, from Latin, devotement, from devotus (past participle of devovēre) + -ion-, -io -ion
1.
a. : earnestness and zeal in the performance of religious duties and observations : religious fervor : reverence, piety
b. : an act evincing religious devotion; usually : an act of prayer or supplication — now usually used in plural
< spent half the night at her devotions >
c. devotions plural : prayers or service of worship usually intended for private nonliturgical services
< a book of daily devotions >
d. obsolete : an offering (as of money) devoted in worship : oblation; often : alms given from religious motives
2. : the act of devoting or quality of being devoted
< devotion of such talents to the public service >
< his devotion to the cause of justice is well known >
: ardent love or affection
< their devotion was beautiful to behold >
: strong attachment : zeal, ardor, enthusiasm
3. archaic
a. : devoted service
b. : disposal or power of disposal : beck and call
< the … rabble were wholly at the devotion of those incendiaries — Edmund Burke >
4. obsolete : something (as a cause) to which a person or thing is devoted : purpose, mission
Synonyms: see fidelity |