What does devoid mean Meaning and Definition
What does devoid mean?
Pronunciation
/dɪˈvɔɪd/
Part of Speech
Adjective or Preposition
Definition
Devoid means completely lacking or without something, often in a way that is striking or noticeable. It can also mean free from or clear of something, often in a way that is significant.
Examples
- The city was devoid of life after the hurricane.
- The forest was devoid of any signs of human presence.
Synonyms
- Lacking
- Without
- Free from
- Clear of
Antonyms
- Affluent
- Abundant
- Equipped
- Furnished
Etymology
The word “devoid” comes from the Old French word “devoit,” meaning “owed” or “due,” which is derived from the Latin word “debitum,” also meaning “owed” or “due.” Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to convey the idea of being without something.
Usage Notes
When using the word “devoid,” it’s essential to ensure that the context is clear and the meaning is precisely conveyed. The word can be used as both an adjective and a preposition, but its meaning can be affected by the surrounding words and context.
Cultural References
The word “devoid” has been used in various literary and poetic works, including the famous novel “1984” by George Orwell, where the protagonist describes a city as “devoid of joy” and “devoid of hope.” The word has also been used in music, film, and other forms of creative expression.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some idiomatic expressions that include the word “devoid” are “devoid of all sense,” meaning completely lacking in reason or intelligence, and “devoid of feeling,” meaning completely without emotion or compassion.
Related Words or Phrases
Some words or phrases closely related to “devoid” include “lacking,” “without,” “short,” and “deficient.” These words and phrases can convey a similar meaning, but they can be used in different contexts to convey varying degrees of absence or scarcity.
Collocations
Some common collocations of “devoid” include “devoid of hope,” “devoid of joy,” “devoid of reason,” and “devoid of feeling.” These collocations are frequently used in language to convey a sense of absence or scarcity.
Frequency of Use
The word “devoid” is not as commonly used in modern language as some other words, but it is still widely recognized and understood. Its usage can vary depending on the context and the audience, but it remains a useful word for conveying the idea of absence or scarcity.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of “devoid” include “devid,” “devied,” and “devoide.” These misspellings are often corrected by language software and spell checkers, but it’s essential to ensure accurate spelling to avoid confusion or miscommunication.