void
void — noun
1. a completely empty area, such as a large unfilled space inside something or the
a completely empty area, such as a large unfilled space inside something or the emptiness of the sky, sea, or outer space when nothing can be seen.
Pim stared into the dark void of the cave, unable to see the far wall.
collocation: stare into the void
The demolition left a massive void where the old hospital once stood.
Looking up at night, the vast void between stars made Hari feel very small.
After the fire, nothing remained but a charred void inside the building.
2. a strong feeling of sadness and emptiness that you experience after losing a lov
a strong feeling of sadness and emptiness that you experience after losing a loved person, a meaningful relationship, or an important part of your life.
After Baraka's grandfather died, he felt a deep void that nothing could fill.
collocation: fill a void
When she retired from teaching, the void in Élise's daily life was hard to bear.
Roya tried to fill the void left by her sister's move abroad with new hobbies.
The children leaving for university left a painful void in the old house.
- emptiness
more general — can describe any lack of meaning or purpose
- hollowness
emphasises a painful, empty feeling inside
- gap
less emotional — can describe any missing element
- fulfilment
a deep sense of satisfaction and completeness
用法筆記
Often paired with the verbs 'fill' or 'leave' to describe the impact of a loss. This sense is metaphorical — it does not refer to a physical space.
常見錯誤
void — adjective
1. not legally valid or effective, so that a contract, agreement, or decision has n
not legally valid or effective, so that a contract, agreement, or decision has no force and cannot be enforced by a court.
The court declared the contract void because it had been signed under pressure.
passive form: declared void
Hannah's lease was declared void because the landlord had never registered it.
passive form: declared void
Without both signatures, the agreement is void and neither party is bound by it.
Charlotte's lawyer argued the old will was void as it was not properly witnessed.
用法筆記
This sense is almost always used in legal or formal contexts. The fixed phrase 'null and void' is common for emphasis. The opposite is 'valid' or 'binding'.
常見錯誤
2. completely lacking a particular quality, feeling, or thing; containing none of a
completely lacking a particular quality, feeling, or thing; containing none of a specified element.
Christopher's apology was void of any real regret, and no one accepted it.
pattern: void of + noun (formal)
The report was void of useful data, so the research team had to start again.
Minho's voice was void of emotion as he read the official statement.
The abandoned streets were void of life in the middle of the night.
- devoid (of)
identical in meaning but more common in formal writing
- empty (of)
less formal and more widely used in everyday language
- lacking
more general; does not require a following preposition in the same way
用法筆記
Always followed by the preposition 'of' (void of + noun). This sense is formal and far more common in written English than in everyday conversation.
常見錯誤
void — verb
1. to cancel an official document or arrangement by law so that it stops being effe
to cancel an official document or arrangement by law so that it stops being effective or binding.
The company voided the contract after discovering the supplier had lied about its costs.
common object: void a contract
If you do not pay the fee on time, the warranty will be voided automatically.
passive: warranty will be voided
A judge can void a marriage if it was obtained through fraud.
Gabriel asked the bank to void the cheque and issue a new one.
用法筆記
The direct object is usually a formal document or arrangement: a contract, agreement, lease, will, marriage, warranty, or cheque. This verb is uncommon in everyday conversation except in business or legal contexts.