devoid of sentiment

USAGE SUMMARY

"devoid of sentiment" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to describe a situation or state of mind where there are no emotions being felt or expressed. For example: "The students' faces were devoid of sentiment as they watched the video of the recent tragedy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

The resulting photographs are flat and devoid of sentiment.

The Guardian - Arts

Notwithstanding the potential poignancy of the moment, the last breakfast was devoid of sentiment, perhaps in homage to last year's disastrous season finale, an attempt at a guys' night out.

The New York Times

Seeking to express pure reality, with the veneer of accidental appearance stripped away, the Constructivists fabricated objects totally devoid of sentiment or literary association; Naum Gabo's work frequently resembled mathematical models, and several Constructivist sculptures, such as those by Kazimir Malevich and Georges Vantongerloo, have the appearance of architectural models.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

They idolise "role models" such as Kate Middleton or the Queen, ghostly beings devoid of opinion or sentiment whose sole purpose in life is to be impregnated by the royal blue sperm of a princely pecker.

The Guardian

In a party dominated by intellectuals and rhetoricians, Stalin stood for a practical approach to revolution, devoid of ideological sentiment.

Britannica

Mr. Souter, 69, announced the end of his Supreme Court career, which began in October 1990, in a two-sentence note that was devoid of any sentiment.

The New York Times

In poems such as "Oda a Salvador Dalí" (1925 26; "Ode to Salvador Dalí"), Canciones (written 1924, published 1926; Songs), and a series of abstruse prose poems, Lorca sought to create a more objective poetry, devoid of private sentiment and the "planes of reality".

Encyclopedia Britannica

The French Web site is devoid of self-esteem-boosting sentiment, its motto more logic-based, almost Cartesian in construct: "I did the Jenny Craig solution.

The New York Times - Magazine

Harold Nicolson, the King's official biographer, would later describe it as being "strong, emphatic, vibrant, with undertones of sentiment, [but] devoid of all condescension, artifice or pose".

BBC

Because the verdicts of taste are sentiments, devoid of truth-value, there is no opportunity for the conflicts and failures of reason that give rise to philosophical skepticism.

SEP

That gap is a funny place, somehow devoid of a lot of the sentiment peculiar to both art and life.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "devoid of sentiment" to describe situations, art, or individuals that intentionally lack emotional expression or are perceived as lacking emotional depth for emphasis.

Common error

Avoid using "devoid of sentiment" when a more nuanced description of emotional complexity is required. Overusing the phrase can make your writing sound overly critical or simplistic. Consider whether terms like "restrained", "understated", or "objective" may be more appropriate depending on the specific situation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of sentiment" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a noun by indicating that it lacks sentiment. Ludwig AI confirms its proper grammatical usage.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of sentiment" is a grammatically sound and understandable expression used to describe something that lacks emotional feeling or tenderness. Ludwig AI confirms that this is a correct and usable phrase. While not as frequent as other emotional descriptors, it appears in reliable sources such as The New York Times and Encyclopedia Britannica. When using "devoid of sentiment", consider whether its emphasis on the complete absence of feeling aligns with your intended meaning, or if alternatives like "lacking emotion" or "unsentimental" might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lacking emotion

Focuses on the absence of emotion rather than the absence of sentiment specifically.

without feeling

Emphasizes the absence of physical or emotional sensation.

emotionless

A single word adjective emphasizing the lack of emotion.

unemotional

Similar to emotionless, but can also imply a conscious suppression of emotion.

unsentimental

Highlights the absence of tender, nostalgic feelings.

callous

Implies a hardened indifference to the feelings of others.

heartless

Suggests a lack of compassion or empathy.

cold-hearted

Similar to heartless, but with a stronger emphasis on a lack of warmth and affection.

detached

Indicates an objective and aloof perspective, lacking emotional involvement.

impassive

Conveys a blank or expressionless demeanor, suggesting a lack of emotional display.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of sentiment" to describe something lacking emotion or tenderness. For example, "The artist aimed to create a sculpture "devoid of sentiment", focusing on form rather than emotional expression."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of sentiment"?

Alternatives to "devoid of sentiment" include "lacking emotion", "without feeling", or "unsentimental", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it better to say "lacking sentiment" or "devoid of sentiment"?

Both "lacking sentiment" and "devoid of sentiment" are grammatically correct and have similar meanings. "Devoid of" often implies a complete absence, while "lacking" may suggest a lesser degree of absence.

What is the difference between "devoid of emotion" and "devoid of sentiment"?

"Devoid of emotion" is a broader term indicating a lack of any kind of emotion. "Devoid of sentiment" specifically refers to a lack of tender, delicate, or nostalgic feelings. So, something can be "devoid of emotion" without necessarily being "devoid of sentiment", and vice versa.