devoid of vanity

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "devoid of vanity" is correct and usable in written English.
This phrase can be used to talk about someone who is not affected by vanity or pride; in other words, someone who is modest and humble. For example, you could say, "He was a truly admirable man, devoid of vanity and always eager to help others."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

9 human-written examples

This would give one the impression that he was free of ambition, devoid of vanity.

The New Yorker

He was quick-witted, endlessly curious, devoid of vanity and capable of great grace.

The New York Times

It's a fully committed, devastating performance entirely devoid of vanity, and she picked up her sixth Oscar nomination.

The Guardian - Film

This blunt, rough-hewn character is entirely devoid of vanity, even after she becomes something of a celebrity.

The New York Times

Devoid of vanity and shorn of caricature, Ms. Dowd's performance redeems the character from villainy but also reminds us that compliance is second nature in a corporate culture and economic structure based on upholding the status quo.

The New York Times

Ms. Burstyn's scenery-chewing performance, utterly devoid of vanity, makes her a spiritual cousin of Aurora Greenway in "Terms of Endearment," although the more fearsome Hagar hasn't a shred of Aurora's zaniness or sentimentality.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

She seemed completely devoid of all vanity and rarely talked about herself.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Hickenlooper revels in his image as someone utterly estranged from fashion and largely devoid of physical vanity.

The New York Times - Magazine

The performance, devoid of obvious vanity, honors the character's distracted ambivalence.

Los Angeles Times

Izetbegovic, of all the leaders I dealt with during the war, was a man who conveyed only angst when confronted by the tragedy of conflict in Bosnia-Herzegovina - he was devoid of the cynicism or vanity that marked other war leaders.

The Guardian

Vanity of vanities, saith the preacher; all is vanity".

The Guardian - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the context: while "devoid of vanity" often implies a positive trait, ensure it aligns with the overall tone and message you're conveying. Sometimes, a healthy sense of self-worth can be appropriate.

Common error

Be careful not to equate being "devoid of vanity" with lacking self-assurance or competence. True humility is about recognizing one's strengths and weaknesses without needing to boast or seek validation.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "devoid of vanity" functions primarily as an adjectival phrase. It modifies a noun, describing it as lacking vanity. This aligns with Ludwig's observation about its use to portray a lack of pride.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

4%

Academia

2%

Less common in

Science

7%

Formal & Business

4%

Reference

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "devoid of vanity" is a grammatically sound and usable expression that describes someone who lacks excessive pride or concern for appearances. As Ludwig AI pointed out, it is often used to highlight humility and can be effectively employed in various writing contexts. While not extremely common, its presence in reputable news sources like The New York Times and The Guardian indicates its appropriateness for formal and neutral communication. When using this phrase, it's essential to ensure it aligns with the intended message and doesn't mistakenly portray a lack of confidence or competence.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

without vanity

Simple rewording; replaces "devoid of" with "without" for directness.

free from vanity

Uses "free from" to convey the absence of vanity, offering a slightly different phrasing.

lacking vanity

Replaces "devoid of" with "lacking", emphasizing the absence of vanity.

humble

A single-word adjective describing someone who doesn't display vanity.

modest

Similar to humble, indicating a lack of excessive pride or vanity.

unpretentious

Describes someone who avoids airs or displays of superiority, aligning with a lack of vanity.

without arrogance

Shifts focus to arrogance, a related concept, implying a lack of vanity.

unassuming

Characterizes someone who doesn't draw attention to themselves or their accomplishments, suggesting a lack of vanity.

without conceit

Uses "conceit" as a synonym for vanity, highlighting the absence of excessive self-regard.

egoless

Emphasizes the absence of ego, implying a lack of vanity and self-importance.

FAQs

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

You can use "devoid of vanity" to describe someone who is humble and doesn't seek attention for their accomplishments. For example, "Despite his immense talent, he was completely "devoid of vanity"."

What are some synonyms for "devoid of vanity"?

Alternatives to "devoid of vanity" include "humble", "modest", "unpretentious", and "without arrogance".

Is it always a good thing to be "devoid of vanity"?

While being "devoid of vanity" is often seen as a positive trait, a healthy sense of self-worth and confidence can also be valuable. The ideal balance depends on the context and individual personality.

What's the difference between "devoid of vanity" and "lacking confidence"?

"Devoid of vanity" refers to a lack of excessive pride or concern for appearances, while "lacking confidence" describes a lack of self-assurance. A person can be "devoid of vanity" and still possess strong self-confidence, or vice versa.