Devotion vs. Devotional — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 13, 2024
"Devotion" refers to a profound dedication or commitment to a cause or person, whereas "devotional" describes an item or practice related to religious worship or spiritual observance.
Difference Between Devotion and Devotional
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Devotion implies a deep, often emotional commitment to a specific cause, person, or belief. On the other hand, devotional refers to activities, books, or rituals that are intended to express or enhance spiritual commitment, usually in a religious context.
Someone exhibiting devotion might demonstrate loyalty and unwavering support, whether to a religious faith, a partner, or a cause. In contrast, engaging in a devotional practice, such as reading devotional literature or participating in devotional rituals, is a way to manifest and deepen this commitment in a structured or ritualistic manner.
Devotion can be seen in various aspects of life, including personal relationships, careers, and hobbies, characterized by passion and dedication. Conversely, a devotional is specifically designed to focus on spiritual or religious growth, often through reflection, prayer, or meditation.
The intensity of devotion is more about the depth of feeling and loyalty one holds, which can be both secular and religious. Devotionals, however, are inherently spiritual or religious, aiming to connect individuals with higher spiritual ideals and practices.
Devotion is a broader term that encompasses a wide range of emotions and commitments. Devotional activities or objects, however, are tools that facilitate the expression of devotion in religious contexts, focusing on fostering a spiritual connection and discipline.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Deep commitment or loyalty to a cause or person.
Items or practices related to religious worship.
Scope
Can be secular or religious.
Primarily religious.
Purpose
To show loyalty and unwavering support.
To enhance spiritual growth and reflection.
Usage in Context
Describes feelings or attitudes.
Describes specific items, texts, or practices.
Examples
Devotion to a partner, cause, or belief.
Daily devotional readings, devotional songs.
Compare with Definitions
Devotion
Enthusiastic diligence or dedication.
He pursued the study of languages with remarkable devotion.
Devotional
A book or guide for quiet reflection and prayer.
She gifted her friend a devotional to help navigate challenging times.
Devotion
The fact or state of being ardently dedicated and loyal.
Her devotion to her students made her a beloved teacher.
Devotional
Pertaining to religious worship or spiritual observance.
The daily devotional included readings from sacred texts.
Devotion
Loyalty and love or zeal for a person, cause, or belief.
His devotion to his family was evident in all he did.
Devotional
Designed for worship or relating to devotional acts.
The devotional hymns brought comfort to the congregation.
Devotion
Deep commitment or dedication, often in a personal or religious context.
She showed her devotion to the cause through years of service.
Devotional
Of, relating to, expressive of, or used in devotion, especially of a religious nature.
Devotion
A state of being devoted.
Devotion to one’s faith can be expressed in various forms of worship.
Devotional
A short religious service.
Devotion
Ardent, often selfless affection and dedication, as to a person or principle.
Devotional
A brief religious service.
To prepare for leading a devotional, select a theme appropriate to the occasion.
Devotion
Religious ardor or zeal; piety.
Devotional
A text or piece of music or writing to be used for devotion.
Each page of the book offers a short devotional that inspires thought and self-reflection.
Devotion
Often devotions An act of religious observance or prayer, especially when private.
Devotional
Of or pertaining to devotion or worship.
She spent much time playing devotional music.
Devotion
A religious text presenting a prayer, frequently accompanied by an introductory scriptural passage and a homiletic gloss.
Devotional
Pertaining to, suited to, or used in, devotion; as, a devotional posture; devotional exercises; a devotional frame of mind.
Devotion
The act of devoting or the state of being devoted
The devotion of resources to research.
Devotional
Relating to worship;
A devotional exercise
Devotion
(uncountable) The act or state of devoting or being devoted.
Devotional
Involving devotion, especially in a religious context.
The priest’s devotional life was centered around meditation and prayer.
Devotion
(uncountable) Feeling of strong or fervent affection; dedication
Devotion
(uncountable) Religious veneration, zeal, or piety.
Devotion
A prayer often found in the plural
Devotion
Religious offerings; alms.
Devotion
The act of devoting; consecration.
Devotion
The state of being devoted; addiction; eager inclination; strong attachment love or affection; zeal; especially, feelings toward God appropriately expressed by acts of worship; devoutness.
Genius animated by a fervent spirit of devotion.
Devotion
Act of devotedness or devoutness; manifestation of strong attachment; act of worship; prayer.
Devotion
Disposal; power of disposal.
They are entirely at our devotion, and may be turned backward and forward, as we please.
Devotion
A thing consecrated; an object of devotion.
Churches and altars, priests and all devotions,Tumbled together into rude chaos.
Devotion
Feelings of ardent love;
Their devotion to each other was beautiful
Devotion
Commitment to some purpose;
The devotion of his time and wealth to science
Devotion
Religious zeal; willingness to serve God
Devotion
(usually plural) religious observance or prayers (usually spoken silently);
He returned to his devotions
Common Curiosities
How can devotion manifest in everyday life?
Devotion in everyday life can be seen in the dedication one shows to their loved ones, their career, or their personal passions.
What is the difference between devotion and being devotional?
Devotion is the feeling of strong commitment or loyalty, whereas being devotional refers to specific religious or spiritual practices.
Is a devotional always a book?
While often a book, a devotional can also refer to any practice or item used in religious observance, such as songs, prayers, or rituals.
What are examples of devotional practices?
Examples include prayer, meditation, reading religious texts, and participating in religious services.
What makes a good devotional?
A good devotional provides meaningful insights and guidance that resonate with individuals in their spiritual practices.
How do devotional activities impact spiritual growth?
Devotional activities help deepen spiritual understanding and connection, often providing structured ways to reflect and engage with religious beliefs.
Can devotion be non-religious?
Yes, devotion can be directed towards non-religious objects or causes, such as a partner, a hobby, or a career.
Can someone be devoted without being religious?
Absolutely, as devotion pertains to a deep commitment that can be secular, such as devotion to a cause or another person.
How often should one engage in devotional activities?
Frequency can vary greatly depending on individual beliefs and the practices of their religious community.
Are devotionals specific to any religion?
Devotionals are used across various religions, each tailored to the specific doctrines and practices of the faith.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
