This is the 815th most frequent Dutch word.
besteden
"Besteden" means "to spend" or "to dedicate."
In this context, "besteed" is used to indicate the allocation or dedication of time towards an activity.
Ik besteed veel tijd aan het leren van talen.
I spend a lot of time learning languages.
Here, "besteden" is used to mean the act of spending money for a purpose.
Zij besteden hun geld zorgvuldig aan noodzakelijke uitgaven.
They spend their money carefully on necessary expenses.
In this usage, "besteden" conveys the idea of directing or focusing attention towards something.