Blankly: meaning, definitions and examples

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blankly

 

[ ˈblæŋkli ]

Adverb
Context #1 | Adverb

expression of absence

Blankly means in a way that shows no emotion or understanding. When someone looks blankly, they may seem lost in thought or unresponsive to their surroundings.

Synonyms

emotionlessly, expressionlessly, vacantly

Examples of usage

  • She stared blankly at the screen.
  • He replied blankly, not grasping the question.
  • They watched blankly as the scene unfolded.
  • The child gazed blankly into space.

Translations

Translations of the word "blankly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 sem expressão

🇮🇳 निराशा से

🇩🇪 ausdruckslos

🇮🇩 tanpa ekspresi

🇺🇦 без виразу

🇵🇱 bez wyrazu

🇯🇵 無表情で

🇫🇷 sans expression

🇪🇸 sin expresión

🇹🇷 ifadesiz

🇰🇷 무표정하게

🇸🇦 بلا تعبير

🇨🇿 beze výrazu

🇸🇰 bez výrazu

🇨🇳 面无表情地

🇸🇮 brez izraza

🇮🇸 án tjáningu

🇰🇿 бет-әлпетсіз

🇬🇪 გამოხატვის გარეშე

🇦🇿 ifadəsiz

🇲🇽 sin expresión

Word origin

The word 'blankly' is derived from the word 'blank', which originates from Middle English 'blank', meaning 'white' or 'pale', and is rooted in Old French 'blanc' and Latin 'blancus'. The suffix '-ly' is used to form adverbs from adjectives, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. The transformation to its adverbial form allows 'blankly' to describe actions done in a vacant or emotionless manner. The concept of 'blankness' has evolved over time to not only denote physical emptiness but also a state of mind where a person is detached or disengaged. The use of 'blankly' is now a common expression in English to convey a lack of perception or emotional response, often observed in situations of confusion or surprise.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #21,786, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.