adj

devoid

dih-VOYD

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

devoided past tense, devoids singular

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The room was _____ of any personal touches.

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

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