Vacuity: meaning, definitions and examples

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vacuity

 

[ vΙ™ΛˆkjuːΙͺti ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

abstract emptiness

Vacuity refers to the state of being empty or void of matter. It can also describe a lack of thought, intelligence, or meaningful content in a given context. The term often conveys a sense of emptiness or shallowness in ideas or expressions.

Synonyms

emptiness, ineptitude, vacuum, void.

Examples of usage

  • The vacuity of the argument left the audience unconvinced.
  • He expressed his thoughts, but there was a vacuity in his reasoning.
  • The novel's vacuity in character development disappointed many readers.

Etymology

The term 'vacuity' originates from the Latin word 'vacuus', meaning 'empty'. It entered the English language in the early 17th century, primarily used in philosophical and literary contexts to denote an absence of thought or substance. Over time, it expanded in usage, describing both physical emptiness and figurative emptiness in ideas, discourse, and existence. The philosophical implications of vacuity were explored by various thinkers, particularly in the realms of metaphysics and existentialism, where it was often associated with deeper reflections on the nature of being and the emptiness found in human experience. As the word evolved, it became more prevalent in discussions of morality and intellect, often used to critique superficial thoughts or arguments that lack depth and meaningful content.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #29,236, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.