devoid of sensation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of sensation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being completely lacking in physical or emotional feeling. Example: "After the accident, he felt utterly devoid of sensation in his limbs, unable to move or react."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

(The term "vegetative" was proposed in 1972, by Bryan Jennett, a neurosurgeon, and Fred Plum, a neurologist, who chose it based on a definition in the O.E.D: "an organic body capable of growth and development but devoid of sensation and thought").

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

These words will ultimately end up being the barest of reflections, devoid of the sensations words cannot convey.

The New Yorker

His book is noticeably devoid of the sensations involved in tasting and handling food, preferring to concentrate on analyses of surveys and texts.

The Guardian

She argues that the commonsense notion of pain conceives of pains as simple subjective sensations devoid of any complexity.

SEP

Recently, Bunday and Bronstein [19] showed that even participants devoid of vestibular function still reported a sensation similar to the odd sensation when stepping onto a stopped escalator in their locomotor adaptation task, suggesting that the vestibular system itself does not seem to be essential for perceiving this sensation.

Plosone

From the start, the channel was accused of promoting mindless sensation -- images devoid of context or larger meaning, their sole purpose to advertise a band.

The New York Times - Arts

Overnight, he went from Internet sensation to thief devoid of any original talent or humor.

Huffington Post

These knowledge gaps exist in part because high-potency sweeteners have historically been considered inert compounds devoid of physiological consequences other than taste sensations.

Chemical Senses

She is full of sensation.

Independent

"Really, that kind of sensation.

The Guardian - Music

Which sensations, if any, nicotinic vagal neurons devoid of CGRP may mediate remains a question to future research.

American Journal of Physiology - Lung Cellular and Molecular Physiology

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a physical condition, use "devoid of sensation" to emphasize a complete absence of feeling, as opposed to a reduced or altered sensation.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of sensation" when you actually mean "devoid of emotion". While related, sensation refers to physical feelings, while emotion refers to mental or psychological states.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of sensation" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun to indicate a complete lack of sensory perception. According to Ludwig, the phrase is considered correct and usable in written English. Ludwig's examples highlight its usage in describing physical and mental states.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

30%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of sensation" correctly describes a complete absence of physical or emotional feeling. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. While relatively rare, its usage spans across diverse contexts, including news, science, and encyclopedias. The phrase functions as an adjectival phrase and carries a neutral tone, leaning slightly towards formal. Alternatives like ""lacking sensation"" and ""without feeling"" offer similar meanings with slight variations in emphasis. It's essential to use this phrase when a total lack of feeling is intended, rather than a mere reduction or alteration of sensation.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking sensation

Direct synonym, replacing "devoid of" with "lacking".

without feeling

Replaces "sensation" with the broader term "feeling".

numb to sensation

Implies a suppression or inability to experience sensation.

insensitive to stimuli

More formal and scientific, focusing on the lack of response to external stimuli.

unresponsive to sensation

Highlights the lack of reaction to sensory input.

impervious to feeling

Emphasizes the inability to be affected by sensations.

dead to sensation

A more dramatic and figurative way of expressing the absence of sensation.

without any sense

Replaces sensation with sense, which is a slight semantic transformation.

anesthetized

Describes a state induced by anesthesia, implying a temporary loss of sensation.

unfeeling

A broader term describing a lack of empathy or emotional response, but can also refer to a lack of physical sensation.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of sensation" to describe something that lacks physical or emotional feeling. For example, "The patient's leg was "devoid of sensation" after the surgery".

What's the difference between "devoid of sensation" and "numb"?

"Devoid of sensation" implies a complete absence of feeling, while "numb" suggests a reduction or alteration of feeling. Numbness can be temporary, while being "devoid of sensation" implies a more profound or permanent lack.

Which is correct, "devoid of sensation" or "without sensation"?

Both "devoid of sensation" and "without sensation" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Devoid of sensation" might be considered slightly more formal or emphatic.

What are some synonyms for "devoid of sensation"?

Some synonyms for "devoid of sensation" include "lacking sensation", "without feeling", and "insensitive to stimuli", depending on the specific context.