Blankness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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blankness

[ˈblæŋknəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

The state or quality of being blank or empty; absence of ideas or emotions.

Synonyms

emptiness, vacancy, void.

Examples of usage

  • Her mind was filled with blankness after the traumatic event.
  • The blankness in his eyes showed his confusion.
Context #2 | Noun

physical

The quality of being blank or empty in a physical form; lack of markings or content.

Synonyms

cleanliness, emptiness, whiteness.

Examples of usage

  • The blankness of the canvas left room for interpretation.
  • The blankness of the paper made it perfect for sketching.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Blankness can represent a mental block, where a person feels stuck and unable to think or create.
  • Feeling a sense of blankness may lead to creativity as it opens the door to new ideas by removing distractions.
  • In some psychological contexts, experiencing blankness can indicate emotional numbness, often after trauma.

Literature

  • In poetry, blankness can convey themes of isolation or the void, allowing readers to reflect on their own feelings.
  • Authors may use blank pages deliberately to symbolize loss or create tension between what is said and what is left unsaid.
  • The concept of blankness is often explored in dystopian fiction to illustrate a lack of individuality or collective memory.

Art

  • Visual artists often embrace blank canvases as an invitation to explore their thoughts and emotions.
  • The use of blank space in art can lead to powerful interpretations, suggesting absence and the potential for meaning.
  • Minimalism in art intentionally incorporates blankness, emphasizing simplicity and the importance of what is left out.

Existential Philosophy

  • Philosophers discuss blankness as a state of being that prompts questions about purpose and existence.
  • The idea of a blank slate is prevalent in existential thought, suggesting that individuals can redefine themselves at any moment.
  • Encountering blankness in life’s experiences can encourage personal growth and deeper self-exploration.

Education

  • In learning environments, educators might encourage students to embrace blankness during brainstorming sessions to foster creativity.
  • Blankness in note-taking can be useful; it helps students focus on important ideas instead of copying everything.
  • Educational practices often explore the concept of 'thoughtful pauses' which relate to moments of blankness before powerful insights emerge.

Origin of 'blankness'

The word 'blankness' originated from the Middle English word 'blanknesse', which came from the Old French word 'blanc', meaning 'white'. The concept of blankness has been associated with emptiness and lack of content throughout history, often used to describe both physical and emotional states of emptiness.


See also: blank, blanket.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,210 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.