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The Vocabulary Builder Workbook of Adjectives

Add 2,000 must-know adjectives to your vocabulary.

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 99 categorized lessons, 232 practical activities.

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devoid

IPA:

How to pronounce devoid (audio)

Dictionary definition of devoid

Completely absent or lacking in something.
"The letter she received was devoid of any personal touch or warmth."

Detailed meaning of devoid

When something is devoid of a particular quality, it means that it entirely lacks or is entirely without that specific attribute, characteristic, or element. It conveys a sense of emptiness, void, or deprivation. "Devoid" emphasizes the complete absence or scarcity of what is typically expected or desired. It implies a stark contrast to what is considered normal or expected. For example, if a room is described as devoid of furniture, it means there is no furniture present at all. Similarly, if a person's expression is described as devoid of emotion, it suggests that there is no discernible emotional display. Overall, "devoid" highlights a state of absolute lack or emptiness, underscoring the absence or deficiency of a particular quality or attribute.

Example sentences containing devoid

1. The room was devoid of any decorations, giving it a stark and minimalist feel.
2. His mind went blank, devoid of any creative ideas.
3. The barren landscape was devoid of vegetation or signs of life.
4. She stared at the empty canvas, feeling devoid of inspiration.
5. The report was devoid of any supporting evidence or data.
6. The conversation with him felt empty and devoid of meaning.

History and etymology of devoid

The adjective 'devoid' has its origins in Middle English and can be traced back to the Old French word 'devoidier' or 'desvoidier,' which means 'to empty' or 'to remove.' These Old French terms are derived from the Latin 'de,' meaning 'completely,' and 'voidare,' meaning 'to empty' or 'to make empty.' In essence, 'devoid' carries the etymological essence of completely empty or lacking in something. It implies a total absence or deficiency, emphasizing the complete emptiness or void of the particular quality or attribute in question. Thus, the etymology of 'devoid' underscores its historical connection to the concept of being entirely and conspicuously lacking in something.

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Further usage examples of devoid

1. The movie lacked substance and was devoid of a compelling storyline.
2. The field trip was canceled due to the unforeseen circumstances, leaving the students devoid of excitement.
3. The old house stood silent and devoid of human presence.
4. The play was devoid of humor, leaving the audience disappointed.
5. His face remained expressionless, devoid of any emotion.
6. The bookshelf was devoid of books, leaving an empty space.
7. The store shelves were devoid of the popular toy, leaving customers disappointed.
8. The city streets were devoid of traffic, creating an unusual calm.
9. The photo album was devoid of any pictures, as they had been misplaced.
10. The abandoned factory was devoid of activity, with broken windows and rusted machinery.
11. Her heart felt devoid of love after the painful breakup.
12. The museum exhibit was devoid of visitors, making it feel eerily quiet.
13. The party decorations were missing, leaving the room devoid of festive spirit.
14. The once-thriving city, now in ruins, was devoid of hope and vitality.
15. The desolate landscape stretched for miles, devoid of any signs of civilization.
16. In the absence of leadership, the team felt devoid of direction and purpose.
17. Her heartache left her feeling utterly devoid of joy or enthusiasm.
18. The abandoned mansion, shrouded in darkness, was devoid of any signs of life.
19. After the devastating fire, their home was devoid of cherished memories and possessions.
20. The documentary painted a bleak picture of a world devoid of compassion and empathy.
21. In the quiet solitude of the library, he found himself devoid of distractions.
22. The economic crisis left the small town devoid of job opportunities and prosperity.
23. The artist's latest masterpiece was deliberately devoid of color, evoking a sense of melancholy.
24. Amid the endless fields, the farmhouse stood alone, devoid of neighbors or companionship.

GRE 15 (Graduate Record Examination), SAT 13 (Scholastic Assessment Test), High School 9, Absence and Lack

bare,barren,bereft,desolate,destitute,hollow,void

empty,lacking,stripped,vacant,wanting

lacking, full, replete, abundant

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