What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
devoid
Example
The room was devoid of any furniture. [devoid: adjective]
Example
She felt devoid of any happiness after the breakup. [devoid: preposition]
vacant
Example
The seat next to me was vacant during the entire flight. [vacant: adjective]
Example
There is a vacant position in the company that needs to be filled. [vacant: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Vacant is more commonly used than devoid in everyday language. Vacant is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while devoid is less common and is typically used in more formal or academic writing.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between devoid and vacant?
Devoid is typically associated with a more formal tone, while vacant is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.