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Voidness Meaning: Definition and Examples

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voidness

[ˈvɔɪdnəs ]

Definitions

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.

Interesting Facts

Philosophy

  • Voidness is often discussed in Buddhist philosophy, where it refers to the concept of emptiness, emphasizing the absence of inherent existence.
  • In existential philosophy, voidness is linked to feelings of meaninglessness or the search for purpose in life.

Literature

  • Several poets and writers have used the idea of voidness to express feelings of despair, loss, or emptiness in their work.
  • In the works of Samuel Beckett, characters often experience a sense of voidness, highlighting the absurdity of their existence.

Psychology

  • Individuals may experience a sense of voidness during periods of depression or existential crisis, feeling disconnected from themselves or the world.
  • Therapists might help clients explore feelings of voidness to understand deeper emotional struggles and develop coping mechanisms.

Art

  • Contemporary artists sometimes embrace voidness in sculpture or installation art, using empty spaces to provoke thought about absence and presence.
  • The concept of negative space in visual arts emphasizes voidness, encouraging viewers to contemplate what is not there as much as what is.

Science

  • In physics, the term 'void' often refers to a space devoid of matter, underlining that even in emptiness, there may be energy or forces at play.
  • The observable universe is filled with vast areas of voidness, known as cosmic voids, demonstrating the structure of galaxies and matter distribution.

Origin of 'voidness'

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.