Void vs. Devoid — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on October 30, 2023
Void refers to a complete emptiness or absence, while Devoid means lacking or free from something specific.
Difference Between Void and Devoid
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Void and Devoid, although related in meaning, differ in their applications and nuances. Void stands as both a noun and an adjective, representing a complete emptiness, absence, or a space without matter. Devoid, on the other hand, is an adjective indicating a particular absence of a quality, characteristic, or element.
When we address something as Void, we're focusing on its empty state or lack of content. For example, the vastness of space can be thought of as a void, a seemingly endless expanse absent of matter. Contrarily, Devoid pinpoints a specific absence in something that might otherwise be full. An individual, for instance, can be devoid of empathy, signifying they lack that specific trait.
In legal terminology, Void often refers to something that is null, lacking legal efficacy, or not binding. A contract might be termed "void" if it's determined to be unenforceable. Devoid, in everyday usage, emphasizes the absence of a particular quality or element. A dessert, for example, can be devoid of sugar, emphasizing its sugar-free nature.
In essence, while both Void and Devoid underline the concept of absence, Void leans more towards a holistic emptiness, and Devoid highlights the specific absence of an attribute or quality.
Comparison Chart
Basic Meaning
Complete emptiness or absence
Lacking a specific quality or element
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Part of Speech
Noun (sometimes adjective)
Adjective
Example of Usage
"A void in one's heart"
"Devoid of emotion"
Related Terms
Empty, vacant, null
Lacking, free from
Contextual Application
Often used in legal contexts
Typically describes something missing a characteristic
Compare with Definitions
Void
Lacking a necessary quality or element.
Her gaze was void of any emotion.
Devoid
Empty or barren of a particular characteristic.
His speech was devoid of any real substance.
Void
Having no legal force or validity.
The contract was declared void.
Devoid
Free from or not possessing something.
The desert is devoid of water.
Void
A feeling of emptiness or loss.
He felt a void after his friend moved away.
Devoid
Completely lacking in a specific quality or value.
The room was devoid of decoration.
Void
Containing no matter; empty.
Devoid
Not having or using a particular element.
The diet is devoid of processed sugars.
Void
Not occupied; unfilled.
Devoid
Absent of a feature typically expected.
The movie was devoid of any real plot twists.
Void
Completely lacking; devoid
Void of understanding.
Devoid
Completely lacking; destitute or empty
A novel devoid of wit and inventiveness.
Void
Ineffective; useless.
Devoid
Completely without; having none of.
I went searching for a knife, but the kitchen was devoid of anything sharper than a spoon.
Void
Having no legal force or validity; null
A contract rendered void.
Devoid
(obsolete) To empty out; to remove.
The child will devoid the garbage after he devours his sandwich.
Void
(Games) Lacking cards of a particular suit in a dealt hand.
Devoid
To empty out; to remove.
Void
An empty space.
Devoid
Void; empty; vacant.
Void
A vacuum.
Devoid
Destitute; not in possession; - with of; as, devoid of sense; devoid of pity or of pride.
Void
An open space or a break in continuity; a gap.
Devoid
Completely lacking
Void
A feeling or state of emptiness, loneliness, or loss.
Void
(Games) Absence of cards of a particular suit in a dealt hand
A void in hearts.
Void
To take out (the contents of something); empty.
Void
To excrete (body wastes).
Void
To leave; vacate.
Void
To make void or of no validity; invalidate
Issued a new passport and voided the old one.
Void
To excrete body wastes.
Void
Nothing; empty; not occupied or filled.
Void
Having no incumbent; unoccupied; said of offices etc.
Void
Being without; destitute; devoid.
Void
Not producing any effect; ineffectual; vain.
Void
Of no legal force or effect, incapable of confirmation or ratification.
Null and void
Void
Containing no immaterial quality; destitute of mind or soul.
Void
That does not return a value; a procedure.
Void
An empty space; a vacuum.
Nobody has crossed the void since one man died trying three hundred years ago; it's high time we had another go.
Void
(astronomy) An extended region of space containing no galaxies.
Void
(materials science) A collection of adjacent vacancies inside a crystal lattice.
Void
(fluid mechanics) A pocket of vapour inside a fluid flow, created by cavitation.
Void
(construction) An empty space between floors or walls, including false separations and planned gaps between a building and its facade.
Void
A black cat.
My little void is so sweet sometimes.
Void
An empty place; A location that has nothing useful.
Void
A voidee.
Void
(transitive) To make invalid or worthless.
He voided the check and returned it.
Void
To empty.
Void one’s bowels
Void
To throw or send out; to evacuate; to emit; to discharge.
To void excrement
Void
To withdraw, depart.
Void
To remove the contents of; to make or leave vacant or empty; to quit; to leave.
To void a table
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.
Void
Having no incumbent; unoccupied; - said of offices and the like.
Divers great offices that had been long void.
Void
Being without; destitute; free; wanting; devoid; as, void of learning, or of common use.
A conscience void of offense toward God.
He that is void of wisdom despiseth his neighbor.
Void
Not producing any effect; ineffectual; vain.
[My word] shall not return to me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please.
I will make void the counsel of Judah.
Void
Containing no immaterial quality; destitute of mind or soul.
Void
Of no legal force or effect, incapable of confirmation or ratification; null. Cf. Voidable, 2.
Void
An empty space; a vacuum.
Pride, where wit fails, steps in to our defense,And fills up all the mighty void of sense.
Void
To remove the contents of; to make or leave vacant or empty; to quit; to leave; as, to void a table.
Void anon her place.
If they will fight with us, bid them come down,Or void the field.
Void
To throw or send out; to evacuate; to emit; to discharge; as, to void excrements.
A watchful application of mind in voiding prejudices.
With shovel, like a fury, voided outThe earth and scattered bones.
Void
To render void; to make to be of no validity or effect; to vacate; to annul; to nullify.
After they had voided the obligation of the oath he had taken.
It was become a practice . . . to void the security that was at any time given for money so borrowed.
Void
To be emitted or evacuated.
Void
The state of nonexistence
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
Void
Declare invalid;
The contract was annulled
Void a plea
Void
Clear (a room, house, place) of occupants or empty or clear (a place, receptacle, etc.) of something;
The chemist voided the glass bottle
The concert hall was voided of the audience
Void
Take away the legal force of or render ineffective;
Invalidateas a contract
Void
Excrete or discharge from the body
Void
Lacking any legal or binding force;
Null and void
Void
Containing nothing;
The earth was without form, and void
Void
A space completely empty of matter.
The universe is vast and filled with voids.
Void
To nullify or cancel something.
She voided the check after noticing an error.
Common Curiosities
Is Void used as a legal term?
Yes, Void can refer to something that lacks legal force or validity.
Is Void always negative in connotation?
Not always, but it often conveys a sense of emptiness or absence.
Can Devoid be used in positive contexts?
Yes, such as when highlighting the absence of harmful elements.
Can Devoid be used to describe any object or entity?
Yes, as long as it lacks a specific quality or characteristic.
When is Devoid most commonly used?
When highlighting the absence of a specific quality or characteristic.
Is Devoid only about tangible absences?
No, it can also indicate intangible lacks, like "devoid of purpose."
Can something be Devoid of multiple things?
Yes, e.g., "The room was devoid of light and warmth."
What's the primary difference between Void and Devoid?
Void represents complete emptiness, while Devoid means lacking a specific quality.
What part of speech is Void?
It's primarily a noun, but can also be an adjective.
Does Void have verb forms?
Yes, "void" can be used as a verb, e.g., "to void a check."
And Devoid?
Devoid is an adjective.
Can you "fill" a Void?
Yes, metaphorically speaking, one can fill an emotional or tangible void.
Does a Void always indicate a physical emptiness?
No, it can also represent emotional, spiritual, or conceptual emptiness.
Can you Void a contract?
Yes, in legal contexts, it means to nullify or deem it unenforceable.
Is Devoid ever used as a noun?
No, Devoid is exclusively an adjective.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
