【英国问答】Dedicated和Devoted(1/2)
I really appreciate your efforts to help us to learn and improve English language.
I have a query about two words in English language.'dedicated' and 'devoted' are the two words which are commonly used in speaking and writing. I am well aware of the meanings of the two words. My question is that in some situations we prefer to use the word 'dedicated' rather than 'devoted' while in other circumstances we prefer to use 'devoted'.
Please enlighten me when it is appropriate to use 'dedicated' rather than 'devoted' and vice versa.
Hints:
Latin
英式拼法，全部不加双引号
http://t1.g.hjfile.cn/listen/201302/201302270748219994033.mp3If we look at the etymology of the words, that's how they came into English. We see that they have quite similar meanings originally. Both come from Latin, devote comes from the word meaning a vow, and dedicate, which has changed very little, comes from the word meaning to proclaim, consecrate or devote. Both words have a religious background, and both mean to have great love, affection or enthusiasm for something.
We might identify some differences in the use of each word today, however.
Devoted has remained far closer to its original meaning. We still use it to talk about someone's commitment to a particular activity or object. It's particularly used to talk about someone's love for their family.
He's a devoted father, or She was devoted to her grandchildren, for example.
We can use it, perhaps less frequently, to talk about other areas of life.
Years of devoted research finally produced results, for example, or The teachers were devoted to their students.
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