Emptiness
ˈemptinəs
Definitions
2 meaningsThe state of lacking contents, significance, or value; absence of anything.
ˈemptinəs
The state of containing nothing
The room was filled with an overwhelming sense of emptiness after they left.
💡 Simply: Imagine a room with no furniture, no people, no decorations – that's emptiness! It's like a big, blank space where something used to be, or where something *could* be.
👶 For kids: When something is empty, it means there is nothing inside.
More Examples
He described the emptiness he felt after the loss of his loved one.
The vast emptiness of space is both beautiful and terrifying.
How It's Used
"The concept of emptiness is central to some Eastern philosophical traditions."
"The emptiness of the house was a stark reminder of his absence."
A feeling of sadness or dissatisfaction caused by a lack of meaningful activity, purpose, or connection; a feeling of isolation or alienation.
ˈemptinəs
A feeling of lack of purpose or fulfillment
He battled the emptiness that came with retirement.
💡 Simply: Have you ever felt like something important is missing? Like you're just going through the motions? That's a feeling of emptiness. It's when you feel like life doesn't have much meaning or purpose.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, people feel a sad feeling of emptiness inside. It's like something important is missing.
More Examples
She sought to fill the emptiness in her life with new experiences.
The loss created a deep sense of emptiness within her.
How It's Used
"She struggled with the emptiness that came with a lack of meaningful relationships."
"The novel explored the emptiness of modern life and its pursuit of material wealth."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
to stare into the emptiness
To be lost in thought, often feeling a sense of melancholy or futility.
"After the breakup, she would often stare into the emptiness, wondering what went wrong."
an empty shell
A person or thing that appears normal but lacks life, personality, or meaning; devoid of inner life.
"After the accident, he was like an empty shell, unable to communicate or connect with others."
From Middle English emptinesse, from empty + -ness. The word's development reflects the increasing focus on abstract concepts and feelings.
The term 'emptiness' began to gain greater traction in the 17th century as a descriptor for both physical and emotional states, reflecting growing introspection in literature and philosophy.
Memory tip
Think of an empty box. No things inside. Nothing to see.
Word Origin
"empty (lacking contents)"