consagrarse
verbCEFR B2
What does “consagrarse” mean in English?
to devote oneself, to dedicate oneself entirely
to devote oneself, to dedicate oneself entirely (consagrarse a + noun/inf — total commitment to a calling or cause)
Example sentences
Desde joven se consagró a la investigación científica, renunciando a una carrera más lucrativa en la industria.
From a young age she devoted herself to scientific research, giving up a more lucrative career in industry.
El maestro se consagró durante cuarenta años a la formación de nuevos músicos en los barrios más desfavorecidos.
The teacher devoted forty years to training new musicians in the most disadvantaged neighbourhoods.
Un escritor consagrado no sólo produce obras de calidad, sino que ha ganado el reconocimiento de su generación.
An established writer not only produces quality works, but has won the recognition of their generation.
How to use it
Consagrarse a means 'to devote oneself entirely to' or 'to dedicate one's life to'. More elevated and complete in tone than dedicarse a — it implies total, often selfless commitment to a calling, cause, or vocation. Takes a + noun or a + infinitive. The adjective consagrado/a a (devoted to, renowned for) is also high-frequency.
Common mistake
Consagrarse a is more intense and elevated than dedicarse a — it implies total devotion, often with sacrifice. The adjectival consagrado/a can mean either 'devoted to' or 'established/renowned' (un artista consagrado = an established artist) — context distinguishes. Preposition is always a; never *consagrarse en.