void
C1Formal, Technical, Literary
Definition
Meaning
A completely empty space; a state of nothingness.
A feeling of emptiness or loss; a legal invalidation; a situation lacking something essential.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it strongly connotes a profound, often negative, emptiness. As a verb, it is formal and often legalistic, meaning to invalidate or empty. As an adjective, it means completely lacking something (e.g., 'void of emotion').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in core meaning. The verb 'to void' (e.g., a cheque) is slightly more common in American legal/financial contexts.
Connotations
Identical.
Frequency
Slightly higher frequency in American English due to legal/business usage.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
void + noun (e.g., void a cheque)be void of + noun (e.g., void of meaning)noun + void (e.g., a void appeared)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “step into the void”
- “a void in one's life”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
The contract was voided due to non-payment.
Academic
The study aimed to fill a void in the existing literature.
Everyday
After he left, there was a void in our lives.
Technical
The function returns a void pointer.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The court voided the marriage.
- Please void this cheque by writing 'CANCELLED' across it.
American English
- The judge voided the statute.
- The election results were voided due to fraud.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The death of her pet left a void.
- The old castle felt cold and void.
- The new law filled a legal void.
- His apology seemed void of genuine remorse.
- The treaty was rendered void by the subsequent invasion.
- She stared into the void of the night sky, contemplating infinity.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'avoid' – you avoid something by leaving an empty space (a void) where it would be.
Conceptual Metaphor
EMPTINESS IS A HOLE/CONTAINER (e.g., 'fill the void', 'fall into a void').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating as 'вакуум' (vacuum) for emotional contexts; use 'пустота'.
- The legal verb 'to void' is 'аннулировать', not просто 'отменить'.
- The adjective 'void of' means 'лишённый', not 'пустой от'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'void' as a casual synonym for 'empty' (e.g., 'The room was void' sounds odd).
- Confusing 'void' (adj./noun) with 'avoid' (verb).
- Incorrect preposition: 'void from' instead of 'void of'.
Practice
Quiz
Which phrase best describes 'void of'?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Typically negative or neutral, implying a lack or loss (e.g., an emotional void). In technical contexts, it's neutral (e.g., a void pointer).
'Empty' is general. 'Vacant' is often for jobs or rooms. 'Void' is more formal/literary and implies a profound, absolute emptiness.
It's quite formal. In everyday speech, 'cancel' or 'invalidate' are more common, except in set phrases like 'void a cheque'.
A legal doublet for emphasis, meaning completely invalid and without legal force.