Cool MateCommit vs Devote
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Commit
Top 1,000 (very common)B1verb
Devote
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most common: Commit
| Commit | Devote | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/kəˈmɪt/","/kəˈmɪts/","/kəˈmɪtɪd/","/kəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/kəˈmɪt/","/kəˈmɪts/","/kəˈmɪtɪd/","/kəˈmɪtɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/dɪˈvəʊt/","/dɪˈvəʊts/","/dɪˈvəʊtɪd/","/dɪˈvəʊtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/dɪˈvəʊt/","/dɪˈvəʊts/","/dɪˈvəʊtɪd/","/dɪˈvəʊtɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To promise to do something or to dedicate oneself to a decision. | To give time or effort to something. |
| Example | I need to commit to a healthier lifestyle this year. | She plans to devote her summer to volunteering. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | commit a crime, commit to a plan, commit resources, commit fully, commit yourself | devote time, devote energy, devote resources, devote attention, devote oneself |
| Antonyms | abandon, withdraw, distract | neglect, ignore, disregard |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'submit' — 'commit' refers to dedication, while 'submit' means to turn in something., Using 'commit' without an object — remember to specify what you are committing to. | 'Devote' is often confused with 'devotee', which means a fan or follower., Some learners forget to use an object, saying 'devote to' without specifying what., Misusing 'devote' in casual speech where 'spend' or 'use' would fit better. |
| Usage notes | Use 'commit' when referring to making a strong promise or dedication, often in serious contexts like relationships or projects. Avoid using it in casual situations unless it's about a commitment to a plan. | Use 'devote' for serious commitments, like time to a cause. Avoid informal settings. |
Frequently asked questions: Commit vs Devote
What's the difference between Commit and Devote?
Commit: To promise to do something or to dedicate oneself to a decision. Devote: To give time or effort to something.
Which is more common: Commit and Devote?
Commit is the most common in everyday English.
Are Commit and Devote the same CEFR level?
Commit: B1, Devote: B2 on the CEFR scale.
Can I use Commit and Devote interchangeably?
Not always. Commit and Devote are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.