Words / C1

di-VOYD/dɪˈvɔɪd/

Devoid means completely without: devoid of apology, devoid of evidence. The pattern is devoid of, not devoid from. Lack is everyday; empty is for containers. Avoid is stay away from — different word. Do not use devoid for “a bit short of”.

Meaning

Completely without something (devoid of).

Examples

• “The statement was devoid of apology.”
• “The statement was devoid of dates, which made it useless as a timeline.”
• “A room devoid of chairs is empty; a argument devoid of evidence is weak.”

Good to know

devoid of + noun (completely without). Everyday: without / lacking. Mix-up: avoid (stay away). Not “slightly short of”.

Near in meaning

lacking

New