devout follower

USAGE SUMMARY

"devout follower" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means someone who is deeply committed and dedicated to following a particular belief, cause, or leader. Example: The spiritual leader had many devout followers who looked to him for guidance and inspiration.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

30 human-written examples

Tóibín sees Mary Magdalene as a devout follower of Jesus, a faithful friend to his mother.

Independent

He stopped drinking and smoking and became a devout follower of Graham.

Independent

Fried cheese may be a cult of my own making, but I'm a happily devout follower.

The New York Times - Food

So are you a Don Cossack fan or a devout follower of Cue Card?

The Guardian - Sport

The devout follower of Shintō, for example, rinses hands and mouth with water before approaching a shrine.

Encyclopedia Britannica

A player shouldn't have to make a pilgrimage, or be a devout follower of any specific faith, to be able to briefly celebrate however he feels like it.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

30 human-written examples

His kidnapping has already stirred his devout followers to rage.

The New York Times

Hamas can thus draw from, and expand, an already large pool of devout followers.

The New York Times

So sit back with your popcorn in hand and enjoy reading about filmmakers with devout followers!

Britannica

Three of the four founding members of the Mancunian band are devout followers of Manchester United.

Independent

There were also fewer beards - the obvious sign of devout followers of the Islamic revolution.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing someone as a "devout follower", ensure the context clearly indicates what they are devoted to, whether it's a religion, ideology, person, or cause. This avoids ambiguity and strengthens the impact of your description.

Common error

Avoid using "devout follower" in predictable or clichéd scenarios, such as describing typical religious adherents. Instead, seek more specific and nuanced language that captures the unique aspects of their devotion.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devout follower" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used to describe someone who is deeply committed to and actively practices the principles or beliefs of a particular religion, ideology, or person. Ludwig AI confirms its correct and usable status in English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Science

8%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devout follower" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase used to describe someone deeply committed to a belief, cause, or person. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely accepted and understood. The phrase is versatile, fitting into both religious and secular contexts and is mostly used in News & Media and Encyclopedias. When using the phrase, clarity about the object of devotion is key to avoid ambiguity. Remember to consider synonyms like "staunch supporter" or "ardent believer" for more nuanced descriptions. Avoid clichéd contexts to maintain the phrase's impact.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

True believer

Highlights unwavering faith and conviction, even in the face of doubt.

Faithful disciple

Implies a loyal follower who learns from and emulates a leader.

Ardent believer

Highlights strong passion and conviction in belief.

Committed devotee

Suggests deep dedication, often in a religious context.

Dedicated adherent

Focuses on commitment and strict following of principles.

Staunch supporter

Emphasizes unwavering loyalty and firm support.

Pious worshiper

Specifically denotes religious devotion and reverence.

Zealous advocate

Highlights fervent support and active promotion of a cause.

Loyal acolyte

Implies a close, often subordinate, relationship with a leader.

Fervent patriot

Emphasizes passionate loyalty and dedication to one's country.

FAQs

How can I use "devout follower" in a sentence?

You can use "devout follower" to describe someone deeply committed to a particular belief, cause, or leader. For example, "She was a "devout follower" of the spiritual teacher, attending every lecture and practicing his teachings daily."

What are some alternatives to saying "devout follower"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "staunch supporter", "ardent believer", or "faithful disciple".

Is it appropriate to use "devout follower" in a non-religious context?

Yes, while often used in religious contexts, "devout follower" can also describe someone deeply committed to a secular ideology, movement, or figure. The key is that their commitment is strong and unwavering.

What's the difference between "devout follower" and "casual fan"?

"Devout follower" implies a deep, unwavering commitment and adherence, whereas "casual fan" suggests a more superficial interest or appreciation. A "devout follower" actively incorporates the object of their devotion into their life, while a casual fan simply enjoys it from a distance.