Blank Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blank

[blรฆล‹k ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

space

An empty space or gap; a void or absence of something.

Synonyms

bare, empty, vacant, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blank

Used when referring to something with no writing, marks, or content. Can also refer to an uninterested or expressionless face.

  • Please fill out the blank form.
  • She gave him a blank stare.
empty

Used to describe something that contains nothing. Often used for containers, rooms, or spaces.

  • The room was completely empty.
  • He found an empty bottle on the table.
void

Refers to a complete lack of something or an empty space. Often used in a more abstract or formal context. Can also have a negative connotation implying emptiness or loss.

  • His death left a void in her heart.
  • The contract was declared void.
vacant

Typically used to describe a place or position that is not currently occupied. Often used for properties, jobs, or expressions.

  • The house has been vacant for a year.
  • There is a vacant position in the company.
bare

Used to describe something that is not covered or has very minimal coverage. Often used for surfaces, bodies, or landscapes.

  • He walked on the bare floor without slippers.
  • The walls were bare, with no decorations.

Examples of usage

  • The room was filled with blank walls.
  • She stared into the blank space, lost in thought.
  • The blank on the form needs to be filled in with your information.
Context #2 | Adjective

expression

Showing no expression or emotion; appearing empty or neutral.

Synonyms

deadpan, emotionless, expressionless, neutral.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
blank

Used to describe something that has no information, features, or expression. Often used when a person is not showing any facial expression or when a surface has nothing on it.

  • He stared at me with a blank look.
  • The page was blank, waiting to be filled with words.
expressionless

Used to describe a face that shows no expression or feelings. Often used to depict neutrality or indifference.

  • The actor had an expressionless face throughout the scene.
  • He looked at her with an expressionless face, making it hard to read his thoughts.
emotionless

Refers to someone who does not show any emotions at all. It can sometimes imply that the person lacks feelings or is unfeeling.

  • He remained emotionless even after hearing the bad news.
  • Her face was emotionless, revealing nothing about her true feelings.
neutral

Describes a position or attitude that does not support any side or show any strong emotions. It implies impartiality and balance.

  • Her tone was neutral as she explained the situation.
  • He tried to keep his facial expression neutral during the debate.
deadpan

Often used in a comedic sense to describe someone who delivers jokes or comments in an emotionless, serious tone. It can also describe a very serious face even when making a joke.

  • She delivered the punchline in a deadpan manner, making it even funnier.
  • His deadpan expression never changed, even when everyone else was laughing.

Examples of usage

  • He gave her a blank stare, not revealing any emotion.
  • The blank look on his face made it impossible to know what he was thinking.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Seeing or experiencing a 'blank' space can evoke feelings of potential or creativity, inviting ideas and thoughts.
  • In educational testing, a 'blank' answer often signifies uncertainty or lack of preparation, affecting studentsโ€™ confidence.
  • The term 'blank slate' in psychology refers to a mind that is open and unformed, ready for learning and experience.

Art

  • Artists often start with a 'blank' canvas, which symbolizes possibilities and the start of new creations.
  • The concept of 'blank' in art can represent minimalism, where emptiness conveys powerful messages and emotions.
  • In poetry, a 'blank' verse is a form that is unrhymed but still has a rhythmic structure, allowing creativity to flow freely.

Technology

  • In digital forms, a 'blank' document is a starting point for creating reports, resumes, or stories, promoting creativity.
  • The term is used in coding, where 'blank' spaces can signify unused memory or fields, crucial in writing clean scripts.
  • Many apps have a 'blank' mode, enabling users to start from scratch without any prior constraints.

Education

  • Teachers often give students 'blank' worksheets to encourage creativity and original thought in assignments.
  • The idea of being 'left blank' in discussions can invite more participation as people are prompted to fill the silence with ideas.
  • In standardized tests, a 'blank' answer can indicate a gap in knowledge, emphasizing the importance of comprehensive learning.

Origin of 'blank'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old French word 'blanc,' meaning 'white,' reflecting something that is bare or unmarked.
  • In the 16th century, 'blank' began to be used to describe something empty or vacant, much like a blank sheet of paper.
  • In Latin, 'blanco' also means white, connecting the idea of emptiness with the color.

The word 'blank' originated from the Old French word 'blanc', meaning white or shining. Over time, it evolved to refer to an empty or expressionless state. The use of 'blank' to describe a space without content or an expressionless face has been documented in English since the 14th century.


See also: blanket, blankness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,073, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.