# debate vs devote

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### debate
*verb · IPA /dɪˈbeɪt/ · frequency rank #2,288*
To participate in a debate; to dispute, argue, especially in a public arena.

### devote
*verb · IPA /dɪˈvəʊt/ · frequency rank #14,311*
to give one's time, focus one's efforts, commit oneself, etc. entirely for, on, or to a certain matter; to consecrate.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/debate-vs-devote