pühenduma

Pühenduma is an Estonian verb meaning to devote oneself to a person, activity, or cause. It denotes a deliberate, long-term commitment rather than a casual interest. The action is typically described with the allative case to mark the object of devotion, for example ma pühendun kirjandusele (I devote myself to literature) or ta pühendub teadusele (he/she devotes themselves to science).

Grammar and usage: The verb conjugates regularly in the present tense as pühendun, pühendud, pühendub, pühendume, pühendute, pühenduvad. The infinitive is pühenduma. The past tense of the intransitive form is pühendusin (I devoted myself). The noun pühendumine means devotion or dedication and can refer to the state or process of devoting.

Usage notes: Pühenduma conveys voluntary, sustained engagement in personal, professional, or social domains. It is often used for long-term commitments, such as studies, artistic work, family, or advocacy. It contrasts with pühendama, a transitive verb meaning to dedicate something to someone or something, as in raamat pühendati õpetajale (the book was dedicated to the teacher).

See also: pühendus, pühendumine, pühendama, keskenduma. English equivalents include to devote oneself to, to dedicate oneself to, and to commit to.