Hollowly: meaning, definitions and examples

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hollowly

 

[ˈhɒloʊli ]

Definition

Context #1 | Adverb

manner of speaking

Hollowly refers to speaking or sounding in a way that lacks resonance or depth, often associated with emptiness or insincerity. It can describe a tone that is devoid of emotion or authenticity.

Synonyms

emptily, insincerely, unemotionally.

Examples of usage

  • She hollowly agreed to the terms without enthusiasm.
  • His voice fell hollowly in the empty room.
  • The statement was delivered hollowly, lacking genuine conviction.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 'Hollowly' comes from the word 'hollow,' which means empty inside.
  • It has roots in Old English 'holh,' which also refers to a space or depression.
  • The suffix '-ly' is added to adjectives to turn them into adverbs, meaning 'in a way that is...'

Literature

  • Writers often use the word 'hollowly' to describe speech that lacks emotion, emphasizing the depth of a character's sadness.
  • In poetry, hollow sounds create a sense of loss or longing, making readers feel the emptiness.
  • Famous authors have used 'hollow' themes to symbolize isolation and despair, enhancing the emotional impact.

Psychology

  • Feeling hollow can relate to emotional numbness, where a person might feel disconnected from their feelings.
  • Experiencing life 'hollowly' can be linked to conditions such as depression, where people struggle to find joy.
  • The sensation of hollowness can arise from unmet needs or loss, indicating a gap in one's emotional wellbeing.

Pop Culture

  • 'Hollow' often appears in music lyrics, expressing feelings of emptiness, particularly in love songs.
  • Movies portraying characters who experience a hollow existence often highlight their journey towards fulfillment.
  • Popular quotes from songs or films use the word to describe moments of deep emotional struggle.

Science

  • In biology, many organisms display hollow features, such as bones in birds that help them to fly more efficiently.
  • The concept of hollow structures in engineering can refer to the design of materials that are lighter yet strong.
  • Certain plants develop hollow stems to transport water and nutrients more effectively.

Translations

Translations of the word "hollowly" in other languages:

🇵🇹 oco

🇮🇳 ख़ाली

🇩🇪 hohl

🇮🇩 kosong

🇺🇦 порожньо

🇵🇱 pusty

🇯🇵 空洞に

🇫🇷 creux

🇪🇸 hueco

🇹🇷 boş

🇰🇷 비어있는

🇸🇦 فارغ

🇨🇿 prázdně

🇸🇰 prázdne

🇨🇳 空心

🇸🇮 prazno

🇮🇸 holur

🇰🇿 бос

🇬🇪 ცარიელი

🇦🇿 boş

🇲🇽 hueco

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #36,699, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.