devoid of color

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of color" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that lacks color or is completely colorless, often in a metaphorical sense as well. Example: "The painting was devoid of color, giving it a haunting and eerie quality."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

The paintings start out small and devoid of color.

The New York Times

Devoid of color, these delicate prints avoid naturalistic detail, emphasizing the mosaic pattern of layered detritus.

The New York Times

"First of all, it's devoid of color, becomes monochromatic, sort of platinum.

The New York Times - Travel

It is devoid of color, as the building itself, outside of the coaches' offices upstairs, is yet to be finished.

The New York Times - Sports

Last Sunday, I visited the Coffey Park neighborhood, just west of Highway 101, where lawn ornaments and chimneys still stood in a landscape almost devoid of color.

The New Yorker

There were some additional visual problems — objects appeared dimmer and a little blurred on the right side, and completely devoid of color.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

36 human-written examples

As the water spreads through those vessels, it appears to change into the colors of the vessels, although the water is devoid of all color.

Huffington Post

We try, but it's hard, with English at our disposal, to summon the will power to dial back to a frequency devoid of complexity, color, and jokes.

The New Yorker

The questions raised by the denial of these claims are not so unsubstantial and devoid of all color of merit that we are warranted in dismissing the case without consideration of their merits.

Cornell University

Far better to reduce everything to a single dumbed-down inescapable standard, relentlessly mediocre and devoid of any color or possibility, like a tapioca straitjacket.

TechCrunch

The high aesthetic value that the Mandari place on cattle patterning is explained by Buxton (1973) by the fact that, 'they stand out strikingly in a landscape devoid of strong color', where the individual beast provides the locus for stimulating visual experience (Coote 1994).

Pastoralism

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the emotional impact of removing color. The phrase can suggest a lack of vibrancy, life, or even hope, depending on the context.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of color" when describing scenes where color, although muted, is still present. Opt for terms like "desaturated" or "lacking vibrancy" instead. Don't use this phrase to describe something that should inherently have color but just has less of it than expected.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of color" functions primarily as an adjective phrase. It modifies a noun, describing something that lacks color. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is a correct and usable phrase in English, effectively conveying the absence of color in a subject.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

29%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Wiki

2%

Encyclopedias

2%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "devoid of color" is a grammatically sound and commonly used phrase that describes the absence of color. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, ranging from News & Media to Science, carrying a neutral register suitable for both formal and informal situations. Related phrases such as ""lacking color"" or ""colorless"" can serve as alternatives depending on the desired level of formality and emphasis. When using this phrase, be mindful of overusing it in contexts where slight color variations exist, where other options like "desaturated" might be more fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bereft of color

Synonymous with "devoid of color", employing a slightly more poetic or formal tone.

lacking color

Replaces "devoid" with "lacking", a more direct synonym, slightly altering the tone to be less formal.

drained of color

Suggests that color has been removed or taken away, implying a prior state of color.

colorless

A single-word adjective that directly describes the absence of color; it's more concise but can sometimes lack the nuance of the original phrase.

without color

A more literal and straightforward way of expressing the absence of color, suitable for simpler contexts.

achromatic

A technical term referring to the absence of color, suitable for scientific or formal contexts.

monochromatic

Describes something consisting of only one color or shades of one color, closely related but not exactly the same as lacking color altogether.

desaturated

Refers to a reduction in color intensity, resulting in a muted or washed-out appearance. It implies some color is present, just not vivid.

pale

Suggests a weak or faint presence of color, rather than complete absence. It's less direct but can be appropriate in some descriptive contexts.

bleak

Implies a lack of vibrancy or cheerfulness, often associated with a lack of color. It's a more figurative alternative.

FAQs

How can I use "devoid of color" in a sentence?

Use "devoid of color" to describe something that lacks color, either literally or figuratively. For example, "The room was "devoid of color", creating a sterile atmosphere" or "His performance was "devoid of color", lacking emotion and energy".

What are some alternatives to "devoid of color"?

Some alternatives include "lacking color", "colorless", "without color", "achromatic" and "desaturated". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it redundant to say "devoid of any color"?

While "devoid of color" already implies a complete absence, adding "any" can emphasize the lack of even the slightest tint. Whether it's redundant depends on the desired level of emphasis, but it's not grammatically incorrect.

What's the difference between "devoid of color" and "monochromatic"?

"Devoid of color" means lacking all color, typically resulting in shades of gray, black, and white. "Monochromatic" refers to something that has only one color, which can include any single color and its various tints and shades. Thus, a monochromatic image still possesses "color", whereas something "devoid of color" does not.