Voidness: meaning, definitions and examples

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voidness

 

[ ˈvɔɪdnəs ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

philosophical concept

Voidness is a term used primarily in philosophy and especially in Buddhist philosophy to refer to the intrinsic emptiness or lack of inherent existence of all phenomena. It suggests that nothing possesses an independent, permanent essence and that things are interdependent and transient.

Synonyms

emptiness, nothingness, nullity

Examples of usage

  • The concept of voidness is central to Buddhist teachings.
  • In meditation, one may contemplate the voidness of all things.
  • Voidness challenges our conventional understanding of reality.
Context #2 | Noun

literary usage

In a literary context, voidness may refer to the state of being devoid of meaning, substance, or value. This can manifest in themes of despair or existentialism, where characters grapple with the absence of purpose.

Synonyms

emptiness, vacuity, vacuum

Examples of usage

  • The protagonist faced a profound sense of voidness.
  • The poem's voidness reflects modern existential themes.
  • She felt an overwhelming voidness after the loss.

Word origin

The term 'voidness' derives from the Middle English word 'veid', which comes from the Old French 'veide', meaning empty or vacant. The concept has deeper philosophical roots in the ancient Greek term 'kenosis', meaning emptiness or void, and it gained significant prominence in Buddhist philosophy, particularly in discussing the nature of reality. The adaptation of 'void' into 'voidness' signifies the state or quality of being void. Over time, 'voidness' has evolved in its usage to encompass a variety of contexts, including spiritual, philosophical, and literary, reflecting the changing perceptions of emptiness and existence in different cultures and intellectual traditions.