Definition

1. Noun:
   • Speech or writing that has no real meaning, value, or substance: "Empty words" refers to language that sounds impressive or significant but lacks genuine content, sincerity, or truth. It is talk that is hollow, insincere, or used merely for effect.

Usage

• "Empty words" is a plural noun phrase. It is used to criticize or describe statements, promises, or expressions that are considered meaningless or deceptive.
• It often implies that the speaker is not being honest or that the language is being used to hide a lack of action or real intent.

Examples

• Noun:
  • The politician's apology was just empty words; he never changed his policies.
  • Don't be fooled by their empty words of flattery.
  • His promises turned out to be empty words.

Advanced Usage

• "full of empty words": used to describe a person or a piece of text that frequently uses insincere or meaningless language.
  • The contract was full of empty words and provided no real guarantees.
• "nothing but empty words": emphasizes that something said is completely without substance.
  • Her speech was nothing but empty words, offering no concrete solutions.

Variants and Related Words

• Empty talk (n): Synonymous with "empty words"; speech that is devoid of meaning.
  • The meeting was just an hour of empty talk.
• Empty rhetoric (n): Persuasive language that is impressive-sounding but insincere or empty of meaning.
  • The debate was filled with empty rhetoric from both candidates.

Synonyms

• Hot air: Boastful or insincere talk.
• Bluster: Loud, aggressive, or indignant talk with little effect.
• Bombast: High-sounding language with little meaning.
• Palaver: Lengthy and idle discussion.

Related Phrases

• Pay lip service: To express approval or support insincerely, without taking any real action.
  • The company pays lip service to diversity but doesn't hire inclusively.
• Mere words: Emphasizes that something said is only language and not backed by action.
  • Without a plan, your ideas are mere words.

Idioms

• All talk and no action: Used to describe someone who makes promises or statements but never follows through.
  • He's all talk and no action; he'll never actually start the business.
• Fine words butter no parsnips: A saying meaning that good-sounding words alone do not produce practical results.
  • You can apologize all you want, but fine words butter no parsnips.

Noun

1. loud and confused and empty talk
   • mere rhetoric