Empty

Definition

Empty is an adjective that describes a state of containing nothing, being unoccupied, or lacking content or value. It can also function as a verb, meaning to remove contents from something or to make it vacant.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛmpti/
• Respelling: EM-tee

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈɛmpti/
• Respelling: EM-tee

Etymology

The word "empty" originates from the Old English "ǣmettig," meaning "at leisure" or "unoccupied," from "ǣmetta," meaning "leisure" or "absence." It evolved in Middle English to mean "void" or "lacking contents," retaining this meaning in modern English.

Derivatives

• Emptiness (noun)
• Empty-handed (adjective)
• Emptying (verb)
• Empty-nester (noun)
• Reempty (verb)

Synonyms

• Vacant
• Hollow
• Unoccupied

Antonyms

• Full
• Occupied
• Loaded

Usage

The adjective "empty" is commonly used to describe a lack of contents in a space or container. For example, "The box was empty after he unpacked it." As a verb, it describes the act of making something vacant, as in "She emptied her glass."

Related Terms

• Void: A state of being completely empty or lacking.
• Vacuum: A space devoid of matter or contents.
• Clear: To remove items, often resulting in an empty space.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Containing nothing; lacking contents: Describes a state where something has no physical or metaphorical content.
  • Example: "The refrigerator was empty after the weekend."
• Unoccupied or unfilled: Used to describe spaces or places with no occupants or items.
  • Example: "The hotel lobby was empty at midnight."
• Lacking meaning or purpose: Describes something that feels devoid of significance or value.
  • Example: "He found their words empty of sincerity."

Verb

• To remove contents from something: Refers to the action of making a container, space, or place vacant.
  • Example: "She emptied her bag to find her keys."
• To vacate or clear out: Implies leaving a space or removing people or items from it.
  • Example: "The stadium emptied after the concert ended."