I guess you could argue that you could use the word void to mean invalid, while devoid usually means empty. If you were referring to false accusations against you, you could correctly say that they “void and devoid”. The de- is not a prefix here; just like it’s not in demand, demonstrate, demon, or destination.
The same confusion also goes to pants vs. depants, both of which mean pulling someone else’s pants down.
Neemund | Homepage | 01.21.08 - 8:52 pm | #

Okay Dani, according to my Websters 1915 dictionary, here is the difference.

void: empty, vacant
devoid: to empty out, to remove; expel; destroy

devoid, void, destitute: agree in the idea of entire want or lack.

void and devoid differs chiefly in that void may be used absolutely, in the sense of empty, whereas devoid requires a following of; as, "divers great offices that had been long void"

Hope that helps.
Pam in Colorado | Homepage | 01.26.08 - 2:21 pm | #

Dani, I know you have nothing fun to do right now, so I am helping you out - Tag You're IT!
Pam in Colorado | Homepage | 01.29.08 - 4:37 pm | #

I just posted something on my blog about this...

"I would rather be VOID than DEVOID...I would rather be (just) empty...than be empty because something has been taken away" ---I think there's a big difference.

smileeee!
liquid_glass | Homepage | 03.12.09 - 8:55 pm | #