devoid

/di'vɔid/
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devoid

The sentence was devoid of meaning.

Definition
  1. Adjective:
    • Completely lacking or without something: "Devoid" describes a state of being entirely without a particular quality, element, or feature. It emphasizes a complete absence.
Usage
  • Structure: "Devoid of + [noun]" is the standard construction. The noun names the thing that is missing.
  • Function: It is a formal or literary adjective used to stress a total absence, often of an abstract quality. It is not typically used for the simple, temporary absence of physical objects.
Examples
  • Adjective:
    • The landscape was devoid of any vegetation. (The landscape completely lacked plants.)
    • His statement was devoid of any real meaning. (His statement was completely without meaning.)
    • She felt devoid of emotion after the shocking news. (She felt completely empty of emotion.)
Advanced Usage
  • "Devoid of" in formal analysis: Used in academic or critical writing to describe the absence of essential characteristics.
    • The report was criticized for being devoid of factual evidence.
  • Emphatic negation: Used for strong rhetorical effect to highlight a stark absence.
    • A world devoid of kindness is a bleak place indeed.
Variants and Related Words
  • Lacking (adj/prep): Not having enough of something. (Less emphatic than "devoid").
    • The plan is lacking in detail.
  • Bereft of (adj): Deprived of or lacking something, especially a non-material possession. Often carries a sense of loss.
    • He was bereft of hope.
  • Barren of (adj): Lacking, especially in a way that makes something unproductive or empty. Often used for land or creative works.
    • A speech barren of new ideas.
  • Destitute of (adj): Completely lacking something necessary or desirable. Formal.
    • A theory destitute of proof.
  • Innocent of (adj): Free from; lacking. Often used in a legal or formal context.
    • The design is innocent of any ornamentation.
Synonyms
  • Empty of: Having none of the specified thing inside.
  • Devoid of: Completely lacking in (the most direct synonym).
  • Without: Not having. (More general and common).
Antonyms
  • Full of: Containing a lot of something.
  • Replete with: Filled or well-supplied with something.
  • Abounding in: Existing in very large numbers or amounts.
Related Phrases
  • Devoid of content: Having no substance or meaningful information.
    • The article was long but devoid of content.
  • Devoid of life: Completely lacking living things.
    • The desert appeared devoid of life.
devoid

The sentence was devoid of meaning.

Adjective
  1. completely wanting or lacking
    • writing barren of insight
    • young recruits destitute of experience
    • innocent of literary merit
    • the sentence was devoid of meaning