verb
vouer
devote
Promettre avec beaucoup de sérieux de faire quelque chose ou de consacrer sa vie à une cause ou à une personne.
The French verb "vouer" means to devote, to dedicate, or to pledge something or someone to a particular purpose, cause, or person. It often implies a strong commitment or an oath.
Meanings:
- Devote/dedicate: E.g., "Il a voué sa vie à la science" — He devoted his life to science.
- Pledge/engage: E.g., "Elle s'est vouée corps et âme à son travail" — She pledged herself wholeheartedly to her work.
- Sometimes, it can also mean to condemn/fate someone or something to a certain outcome, though this usage is less common.
Differences with similar verbs:
- consacrer: Also means to dedicate/devote, but "consacrer" is more formal or neutral and often relates to dedicating time, money, or efforts. E.g., "consacrer du temps à un projet".
- dévouer (which is actually "se dévouer"): Means to devote oneself or to dedicate oneself, focusing on personal self-sacrifice or service.
- promettre: Means to promise, but has a less strong connotation of lifelong dedication or fate compared to "vouer".
Summary:
"Vouer" emphasizes a strong, often solemn dedication or a destined fate, sometimes involving personal sacrifice or a serious commitment.
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Examples
Elle s’était vouée à protéger la beauté de la nature.verb
She had devoted herself to protecting the beauty of nature.
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