self-devotion
A scientist shows self-devotion by working late in the lab for a medical breakthrough.
Definition
- Noun:
- Sacrifice of one's own interests or well-being: "self-devotion" refers to the act of dedicating oneself wholly to a cause, ideal, or the service of others, often at personal cost.
- Unselfish commitment: It implies a profound, often altruistic, loyalty or dedication that prioritizes the needs of others or a higher purpose over one's own desires.
Usage Examples
- (She sacrificed her personal time and comfort for the cause.)
- (He gave his life or well-being for his nation.)
- (Parents must put their children's needs before their own.)
Advanced Usage
"act of self-devotion": a specific instance of such sacrifice.
- His decision to donate his kidney to a stranger was a remarkable act of self-devotion. (A concrete example of selfless giving.)
"spirit of self-devotion": the underlying attitude or ethos of prioritizing others.
- The team worked in a spirit of self-devotion, ignoring personal glory for the project's success. (The collective mindset of putting the group first.)
Variants and Related Words
Self-devoted (adj): characterized by or showing self-devotion.
- The self-devoted nurse worked through the night to care for the sick. (The nurse was fully dedicated.)
Self-devotedness (n): the quality of being self-devoted.
- His self-devotedness was admired by all who knew him. (His consistent commitment.)
Synonyms
- Altruism: unselfish concern for the welfare of others.
- Self-sacrifice: the giving up of one's own interests for the sake of others.
- Dedication: complete and wholehearted commitment.
Related Idioms
Give one's all: to devote all of one's energy or resources.
- She gave her all to the mission, showing true self-devotion. (She sacrificed everything for the goal.)
Put others first: to prioritize the needs of others over one's own.
- His self-devotion meant he always put others first. (He consistently acted unselfishly.)