adj Uncommon

devoid

dih-VOYD

Devoid (adj) means Completely lacking in something; empty of a particular quality. Example: “The room was devoid of any personal touches.”

adj

Completely lacking in something; empty of a particular quality.

"The room was devoid of any personal touches."

"His speech was devoid of any real substance."

How to use devoid

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishTotally without something — always followed by "of."

Common mistake

Always pairs with "of" ("devoid of emotion"), never used alone as a standalone adjective before a noun.

Common pairings

devoid of emotion devoid of meaning completely devoid

Word forms

devoided past tense, devoids singular

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The room was _____ of any personal touches.

Etymology

From obsolete Middle English devoiden, "to empty out," from Old French desvuidier, "to empty."

Origin: Old French

Rhymes for devoid

void avoid hyoid droid android tabloid steroid typhoid thyroid humanoid asteroid paranoid

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Frequently asked questions

What does “devoid” mean?

The word “devoid” means completely lacking in something; empty of a particular quality. In plain terms, totally without something — always followed by "of.".

How do you pronounce “devoid”?

“Devoid” is pronounced dih-VOYD (/dɪˈvɔɪd/ in IPA).

How do you use “devoid” in a sentence?

Here is “devoid” used in a sentence: “The room was devoid of any personal touches.”

What part of speech is “devoid”?

“Devoid” is an adjective.

Where does the word “devoid” come from?

The word “devoid” comes from Old French. From obsolete Middle English devoiden, "to empty out," from Old French desvuidier, "to empty.".

Is “devoid” a common word?

“Devoid” is an uncommon word in modern English.