Hollow

Definition

Hollow is an adjective, noun, and verb. As an adjective, it describes something having an empty space inside or lacking substance or sincerity. As a noun, it refers to a depression or concave area. As a verb, it means to make a space inside or remove inner material.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɑːloʊ/
• Respelling: HAH-loh

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈhɒləʊ/
• Respelling: HOL-oh

Etymology

The word "hollow" originates from Old English "holh," meaning "a cavity, hole, or hollow place." It is derived from Proto-Germanic "*hulþ" and Proto-Indo-European "*kel-" meaning "to cover, conceal, or hollow out."

Derivatives

• Hollowed (adjective/verb)
• Hollowing (verb)
• Hollowly (adverb)
• Hollowness (noun)
• Hollow-eyed (adjective)

Synonyms

• Empty
• Void
• Cavernous

Antonyms

• Solid
• Filled
• Substantial

Usage

The word "hollow" is commonly used to describe physical emptiness, as in "The log was hollow inside," or metaphorical insincerity, such as "His apology sounded hollow." As a noun, it often refers to a sunken area, such as "They camped in a hollow." The verb form is used for processes like sculpting or excavation.

Related Terms

• Cavity: A hollow space or void.
• Depression: A sunken or lowered area.
• Concave: Curved inward, often creating a hollow effect.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Having an empty space inside: Refers to physical emptiness or void.
  • Example: "The tree trunk was hollow and home to many insects."
• Lacking sincerity or substance: Describes something that is emotionally or rhetorically empty.
  • Example: "Her promises were hollow and unconvincing."

Noun

• A depression or concave area: Refers to a sunken or hollowed-out region.
  • Example: "They found shelter in a hollow in the hills."

Verb

• To make a space inside or remove material: Refers to the act of hollowing something out.
  • Example: "The craftsman hollowed the log to create a canoe."