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Devoid

Definitions and Meaning in English

1. Lacking or being without something; completely absent of a particular quality, feature, or element.
2. Empty or free from a specific thing, often used to describe an absence of emotion, substance, or characteristics.

History and Origin

The word “devoid” comes from the Middle English devoiden, derived from the Old French devoier, meaning “to empty” or “to deprive.” It has roots in the Latin deviare, meaning “to deviate” or “to go astray,” suggesting a sense of being emptied or lacking something essential. The term has been used in English since the 14th century to describe the absence of something important or necessary.

Detailed Explanation

“Devoid” is used to describe the complete absence of a certain quality, element, or characteristic in something or someone. It suggests a total lack, often highlighting that something is empty or lacking in a way that is noticeable or significant. For example, a person can be described as devoid of compassion, meaning they lack compassion entirely. Similarly, an area can be devoid of vegetation, indicating that no plants are present. The term emphasizes emptiness or a void where something is expected or required.

Example Sentences

1. The desert was devoid of life, with no plants or animals in sight.
2. His speech was devoid of emotion, leaving the audience feeling disconnected.
3. The house stood devoid of furniture after the move.
4. She looked at the empty room, feeling devoid of hope.
5. The team was devoid of energy after the exhausting game.
6. The city felt devoid of excitement during the off-season.
7. The book was devoid of any real substance, lacking depth in its arguments.
8. The forest appeared devoid of wildlife, an unusual sight for such an area.
9. His explanation was devoid of any clear details, making it hard to understand.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Lacking – Not having something that is needed or expected.
2. Empty – Containing nothing; having no contents or substance.
3. Bare – Lacking decoration or contents; empty.
4. Absent – Not present or existing in a particular place or situation.
5. Without – Lacking or not possessing a certain quality or item.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Void – An empty space or gap, often used to describe an absence.
2. Hollow – Empty inside, often used to describe something that seems to lack substance or meaning.
3. Bare – Lacking anything additional or covering; simple and empty.
4. Desolate – Empty and bleak, often describing a place or feeling that is abandoned or devoid of life.
5. Forlorn – Lacking in hope or resources; feeling deserted or abandoned.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Unfilled – Not filled or occupied, often referring to spaces or positions.
2. Uninhabited – A place that is devoid of life or people.
3. Unfurnished – A space that is devoid of furniture or necessary items.
4. Bare – Lacking covering or adornment, often implying emptiness.
5. Unadorned – Lacking decoration or embellishment, often in a stark or plain way.

Antonyms

1. Full
2. Complete
3. Filled
4. Rich
5. Abundant