Empty Meaning and Definition
Empty
Pronunciation
/ˈemi/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A lack of contents, beings, or significance; a void or vacancy.
Examples
- The box was empty except for a few scraps of paper.
- After graduating, she felt emotionally empty for a while.
Synonyms
- Vacant
- Void
- Blank
Antonyms
- Full
- Complete
- Occupied
Etymology
The term “empty” comes from the Old English word “æmptig”, which means “unfilled” or “unoccupied”. It has evolved over time to encompass a range of meanings, from literal physical emptiness to emotional and metaphorical vacancies.
Usage Notes
When using the word “empty”, consider the context in which it is being used. It can be used to describe a physical object with no contents, or to describe a person’s feelings or emotions. Be mindful of the connotations and implications of using this word, as it can have different meanings depending on the situation.
Cultural References
In popular culture, the concept of emptiness is often explored in literature, music, and art. For example, the concept of “emptiness” is a major theme in existentialist philosophy, as well as in some forms of Zen Buddhism.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
Some common idiomatic expressions that include the word “empty” include:
- to empty one’s pockets
- an empty vessel
- the empty chair
Related Words or Phrases
Words or phrases closely related to “empty” include:
- vacant
- void
- blank
- unoccupied
Collocations
Common word combinations with the term “empty” include:
- empty space
- empty room
- empty chair
- empty words
Frequency of Use
The word “empty” is a relatively common term in everyday language, with a frequency of use that is comparable to other nouns like “book” or “city”.
Common Misspellings
Some common misspellings of the word “empty” include:
- emty
- emplot
- impoty