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Hollow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ•ณ๏ธ
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hollow

[หˆhษ’lษ™สŠ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

empty space

Having a hole or empty space inside.

Synonyms

empty, vacant, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hollow

Often used to describe something that has a space inside or lacks substance or sincerity.

  • The tree was hollow inside
  • His apology felt hollow and insincere
empty

Used to describe something that has nothing inside or completely lacks content. Can refer to physical spaces, emotions, or abstract concepts.

  • The room was empty after the guests left
  • She felt empty after hearing the news
void

Often used in more abstract contexts to describe a complete lack or absence of something. Can also imply a sense of emptiness or loss in emotional contexts.

  • There was a void in his heart after she left
  • The contract was declared void due to a technicality
vacant

Commonly used to describe a space that is not being used or occupied, such as a house, job position, or seat.

  • The house has been vacant for months
  • There is a vacant position in the company

Examples of usage

  • The tree trunk was hollow inside.
  • She felt hollow inside after the breakup.
Context #2 | Noun

low sound

A low sound like that of blowing through a tube.

Synonyms

echo, resonance, rumble.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
hollow

Used to describe something that has an empty space inside or a sound that seems to come from an empty space. It can also describe feelings or things that lack substance or sincerity.

  • The tree trunk was hollow inside.
  • Her victory felt hollow without her family there to celebrate.
echo

Used when a sound is reflected off a surface and heard again. It can also describe repeated sentiments or opinions.

  • His footsteps echoed in the empty hallway.
  • Her words echoed his earlier statements.
resonance

Used to describe a deep, full, and reverberating sound. It can also refer to situations, ideas, or experiences that evoke a strong emotional response or sense of connection.

  • The resonance of the church bell could be heard across the village.
  • His speech had a wide resonance, especially among young people.
rumble

Used to describe a continuous low sound often associated with distant thunder, engines, or large gatherings of people. It can also describe low, deep sounds made by someoneโ€™s stomach.

  • We could hear the rumble of thunder approaching.
  • The rumble of the train was constant throughout the journey.

Examples of usage

  • The wind made a hollow sound as it passed through the tunnel.
  • He could hear the hollow of the distant drums.

Translations

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

Origin of 'hollow'

The word 'hollow' originated from the Old English word 'holh', meaning a hollow place or cavity. Over time, the term evolved to describe a space that is empty or has an opening inside. The concept of hollowness has been used in various contexts, from describing physical objects like trees or caves to expressing emotional emptiness or lack of substance.

See also: hollowness.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #4,826, this word represents useful upper-intermediate vocabulary. Understanding and using it will help you express more complex ideas effectively.