Devoid vs. Void: Know the Difference
By Hifza Nasir & Dua Fatima || Updated on March 4, 2024
Devoid refers to being completely lacking in something, while void means empty or having no legal force.
Key Differences
Devoid emphasizes the absence of something that is expected or desired, often used to describe a lack of qualities, emotions, or substances. For example, a conversation can be devoid of sincerity, indicating it lacks genuine feelings. On the other hand, void is used to describe an empty space or a situation where something is null and without legal effect, such as a contract being declared void due to illegal terms.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
While "devoid" specifically points to the absence of non-physical qualities or elements, "void" can refer to both the physical absence of matter in a space and metaphorical or legal nullities. A room can be void of furniture, meaning it is empty, whereas a person cannot be described as void of emotion, but rather devoid of it.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
The use of "devoid" is typically restricted to contexts where there's an expectation or need for something that is not present. It implies a condition or state that might be considered lacking or incomplete. In contrast, "void" carries a broader usage, applicable in legal, physical, and abstract contexts, often implying a need to fill the empty space or rectify the absence.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
"Void" is a term of art; contracts or agreements that are void are treated as if they never existed and have no legal force from the outset. "Devoid," however, has no legal connotation and is used more broadly in descriptive language to emphasize a significant lack or absence of certain elements or qualities in various contexts.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
In literature and conversation, "devoid" is often used to convey a deeper sense of emptiness or lack, associated with emotional or qualitative absences. "Void," however, is more likely to appear in discussions about space, legality, and situations where an absence is more physical or tangible.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
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Comparison Chart
Usage
Describes absence of non-physical qualities.
Describes both physical emptiness and legal nullity.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Contexts
Non-physical, qualitative absences.
Physical, legal, and abstract absences.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Connotation
Lacking, incomplete in some aspect.
Emptiness, nullity, or legality issue.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Examples
Devoid of emotion, devoid of color.
Void of furniture, a contract is void.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
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Devoid and Void Definitions
Devoid
Missing a characteristic often expected.
The movie was devoid of originality.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Devoid
Completely lacking in a certain quality.
The landscape was devoid of any greenery.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
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Devoid
Completely lacking; destitute or empty
A novel devoid of wit and inventiveness.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 19, 2023
Devoid
Completely without; having none of.
I went searching for a knife, but the kitchen was devoid of anything sharper than a spoon.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 19, 2023
Void
To make void or of no validity; invalidate
Issued a new passport and voided the old one.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 19, 2023
Void
Containing nothing; empty; vacant; not occupied; not filled.
The earth was without form, and void.
I 'll get me to a place more void.
I 'll chain him in my study, that, at void hours,I may run over the story of his country.
Hifza Nasir
Oct 19, 2023
Void
An empty area or space;
The huge desert voids
The emptiness of outer space
Without their support he'll be ruling in a vacuum
Hifza Nasir
Oct 19, 2023
Repeatedly Asked Queries
How do you use devoid correctly in a sentence?
"The novel was devoid of any likable characters," correctly uses "devoid" to indicate a lack of desirable qualities.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Can a contract be described as devoid?
A contract cannot be described as devoid; it is more appropriate to use "void" to indicate that it has no legal force or effect.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Is void only used in legal contexts?
While "void" is commonly used in legal contexts, it also describes physical emptiness and abstract absences.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Can something be both devoid and void?
Yes, in some contexts, something can be both devoid and void, especially if it lacks substance or essence and is also empty or legally invalid.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
What is the difference between an area being devoid of life and void of life?
"Devoid of life" emphasizes a complete lack of living elements, suggesting an expectation of life, while "void of life" simply states the absence, often with a focus on the emptiness.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
What is the void in space?
The void in space refers to the vast emptiness between celestial bodies, where there is a near absence of matter.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
What does it mean for something to be devoid of something else?
To be devoid of something means to completely lack it, especially in terms of qualities or elements that are expected or desired.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
What makes a contract void?
A contract may be declared void if it involves illegal activities, lacks essential components, or if one party was not competent to enter a contract.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Is void a negative term?
"Void" can have negative implications, especially in legal contexts or when indicating a significant absence, but it can be neutral when describing physical emptiness.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Does devoid imply a deficiency?
Yes, "devoid" implies a deficiency or lack, often pointing out the absence of something that should ideally be present.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
How do "devoid" and "void" relate to the concept of absence?
Both "devoid" and "void" relate to the concept of absence, with "devoid" focusing on the lack of non-physical qualities and "void" on physical emptiness or legal nullity.
Dua Fatima
Mar 03, 2024
Can void be used positively?
"Void" can be used in a positive context when the absence of something is desirable, such as being void of debt.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
How does the emotional impact of "devoid" compare to "void"?
"Devoid" often has a stronger emotional impact, suggesting a poignant absence of something valued or needed, whereas "void" might convey a more neutral sense of emptiness.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
Can landscapes be void?
Landscapes can be described as "void" to emphasize physical emptiness, but "devoid" is used to highlight the absence of specific features like vegetation or color.
Shumaila Saeed
Mar 03, 2024
Can void and devoid be used interchangeably?
While there might be contexts where their use overlaps, "void" and "devoid" are not generally interchangeable due to their distinct nuances in meaning.
Hifza Nasir
Mar 03, 2024
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About Author
Written by
Hifza Nasir
Co-written by
Dua Fatima
Hifza Nasir
Shumaila Saeed
