Nothingness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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nothingness

[ˈnʌθɪŋnəs ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

philosophy

The state or quality of being nothing; absence of being. Nothingness is a concept often explored in philosophy, particularly in existentialism.

Synonyms

emptiness, nonexistence, void.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nothingness	This word is generally used in philosophical or existential discussions to describe a state where nothing exists or has meaning. It implies a profound lack of substance or reality. The meditation practice focuses on the concept of nothingness to achieve mindfulness. Staring into the night sky, he felt a sense of nothingness.
nonexistence	Typically used in a more formal or scientific context, this word describes the state of not existing, either in reality or conceptually. The scientist argued the nonexistence of the phenomena they were studying. The debate centered around the nonexistence of extraterrestrial life.
void	This word can be used to describe both a literal and metaphorical emptiness. It suggests not just emptiness but an abyss or chasm, often with an emotional or dramatic connotation. Gazing into the void, he felt an overwhelming sense of despair. The contract was declared null and void.
emptiness	Often used to describe a physical or emotional state, it conveys a sense of being vacant, lacking content, or emotionally unfulfilled. After the children left for college, the house was filled with emptiness. He couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness after his breakup.

Examples of usage

Contemplating the vast nothingness of the universe can be a daunting task.
Many philosophers argue that nothingness is a fundamental aspect of human existence.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

absence of significance

A state of insignificance or lack of importance. In certain contexts, nothingness can refer to a lack of meaning or value.

Synonyms

insignificance, meaninglessness, worthlessness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
nothingness	This word is often used to describe a state of non-existence or a void. It can also be used philosophically or existentially to express the absence of anything. He stared into the nothingness, lost in thought. After the explosion, there was nothing but nothingness where the building once stood.
insignificance	This word is typically used to describe something that lacks importance or relevance. It can be used to make someone or something seem small or unimportant. In the grand scheme of things, our problems seem to pale into insignificance. She felt a sense of insignificance standing next to the towering monument.
meaninglessness	This word is generally used to depict a lack of purpose, significance, or meaning. It often conveys a neutral or negative feeling, especially in discussions about life or actions. The repetitiveness of his job added to his feeling of meaninglessness. They struggled against what they saw as the meaninglessness of their daily routines.
worthlessness	This word has a strongly negative connotation and is used to describe someone or something that has no value or worth. It can refer to objects, actions, or even people and their feelings. He was consumed by feelings of worthlessness after losing his job. The broken chair was seen as a piece of junk, a symbol of worthlessness.

Examples of usage

She felt a sense of nothingness after the breakup, as if her world had lost all meaning.
The emptiness of the room symbolized the nothingness of his existence.

Translations

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

Origin of 'nothingness'

The word 'nothingness' originated from the Middle English 'no thingnesse', combining the negative 'no' with 'thing' and the suffix '-ness'. It has been used in philosophical discourse to describe the concept of non-being or absence of existence. Existentialist thinkers like Jean-Paul Sartre and Friedrich Nietzsche have delved into the implications of nothingness in human life and consciousness.