Hollowly Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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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.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

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.

Origin of 'hollowly'

Main points about word origin

  • '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...'

The word 'hollowly' is derived from the adjective 'hollow', which comes from the Old English 'holh', meaning a hole or cavity. Over time, the meaning evolved to describe something that is not solid or has a cavity inside. The suffix '-ly' is a common English adverbial form that converts adjectives into adverbs, denoting the manner of action. The concept of 'hollowness' in terms of emotion or sincerity has been a part of the language for centuries, reflecting experiences of emptiness or lack of authenticity in various contexts. This evolution reflects cultural and linguistic changes that emphasize the differentiation between surface appearances and deeper truths.


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.