early 13c., from Old French devocion "devotion, piety," from Latin devotionem (nominative devotio), noun of action from past participle stem of devovere "dedicate by a vow, sacrifice oneself, promise solemnly," from de- "down, away" (see de-) + vovere "to vow," from votum "vow" (see vow (n.)).
In ancient Latin, "act of consecrating by a vow," also "loyalty, fealty, allegiance;" in Church Latin, "devotion to God, piety." This was the original sense in English; the etymological sense, including secular situations, returned 16c. via Italian and French.
实用例句
1. He was kneeling by his bed in an attitude of devotion.
他虔诚地跪在床边。
来自柯林斯例句
2. He recalled her devotion to her husband during his hour of need.
他回忆起她在丈夫困难之时的忠贞奉献。
来自柯林斯例句
3. I don't mean to keep criticising his devotion to his job.
我并不是要一再批评他对工作的专注。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Total devotion it certainly was, slavish devotion some would say.
这当然是绝对的忠诚，有人也许会称之为俯首帖耳，唯命是从。
来自柯林斯例句
5. Despite his constant protes-tations of devotion and love, her doubts persisted.
