feel devoid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feel devoid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a sense of emptiness or lack of something, often in an emotional context. Example: "After the loss, I began to feel devoid of joy and purpose in my life."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Many working-class Irish people feel devoid of political representation.

Vice

If you try to deny them, life can feel devoid of meaning.

WikiHow

The gauges are a constantly-illuminated bright white on a blue-purple background; the dash curves sharply backward from the front passengers, and the emergency brake handle pulls almost vertically up, with a very ergonomic feel devoid of mechanical brusqueness.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

"Life felt devoid of meaning".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I mean, it's great to be a mum, but I felt devoid of my femininity.

The Guardian - Film

Coming late in the set, and after a bit of jokey banter, it felt devoid of power compared to the newer material.

Independent

These jokes, all by smart, middle-class wags, can certainly be clever pieces of social commentary – Ali G managed it – but I Want a Baby feels devoid of insight.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

I felt devoid of emotion.

Huffington Post

More desert, mosques and malls than a rich history of cities, towns and bustling culture, Qatar felt devoid of "real locals".

Huffington Post

But it also can feel suffocating, devoid of green, of spiritual egress, of uplift or creative expression of any sort.

The New York Times

I didn't feel emotionally devoid like the high school drug abuse pamphlets said I would.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "feel devoid", ensure the context clearly indicates what is lacking, whether it's emotion, meaning, or a physical attribute. This provides clarity and impact to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "feel devoid" in overly casual or informal settings, as it can sound overly dramatic or pretentious. Opt for simpler alternatives like "feel empty" or "feel lacking" in those situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feel devoid" functions primarily as a predicate adjective, modifying the subject to describe a state of lacking or being without something. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct. Examples from Ludwig show it describes a lack of emotions, qualities, or even physical attributes.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "feel devoid" is a grammatically correct expression used to convey a sense of lacking or being without something, typically in an emotional or metaphorical sense. As Ludwig AI states, the phrase is usable in written English to express a sense of emptiness or lack of something. While the phrase is most frequently found in News & Media, it also appears in Wiki and Scientific content, with a register leaning towards neutral to formal. When writing, ensure the context makes clear what is lacking to enhance clarity and avoid overuse in informal settings. Consider related phrases such as "feel empty" or "feel lacking" for simpler alternatives.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feel empty

Focuses on the sensation of emptiness, often emotionally.

feel lacking

Highlights the absence of a necessary element.

feel without

Emphasizes the state of being deprived of something.

feel vacant

Conveys a sense of emptiness and lack of occupation, either physically or emotionally.

feel absent

Implies a missing presence or quality.

feel stripped

Highlights the removal or loss of something essential.

feel exhausted

Suggests a depletion of energy or resources.

feel bereaved

Specifically denotes a sense of loss, especially through death.

feel deprived

Emphasizes the denial or withholding of something needed.

feel barren

Implies a lack of fertility or productiveness, either literally or metaphorically.

FAQs

How can I use "feel devoid" in a sentence?

You can use "feel devoid" to describe a lack of something, often an emotion or quality. For example, "After the event, I began to feel devoid of energy" or "The room felt devoid of warmth".

What's the difference between "feel devoid" and "feel empty"?

"Feel devoid" suggests a complete absence of something, while "feel empty" focuses more on the sensation of hollowness. "Feel devoid" can sound more formal or dramatic.

Which is more appropriate, "feel devoid of" or "feel lacking in"?

Both phrases are grammatically correct, but "feel devoid of" is often used when describing a complete absence, whereas "feel lacking in" suggests something is missing but not entirely absent.

What are some synonyms for "feel devoid"?

Some synonyms for "feel devoid" include "feel empty", "feel lacking", "feel without", or feel a sense of loss.