hollow

/'hɔlou/

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The word "hollow" is an interesting term in English that can function as an adjective, noun, or verb. Let's break it down in a way that's easy to understand.

Meaning and Usage:

1. As an Adjective:

   • Definition: When we say something is "hollow," we mean it is empty inside, or it has a space or gap. It can also describe something that lacks real meaning or importance.
   • Examples:

2. As a Noun:

   • Definition: A "hollow" can refer to a small valley or a depression in the land, or it can refer to an empty space within something.
   • Examples:

3. As a Verb:

   • Definition: To "hollow" something means to remove the inside part, creating an empty space.
   • Example:

Advanced Usage:

• "Hollow victory" refers to a win that comes with significant costs or lacks value, making the achievement feel empty.
• "Hollow sound" describes a noise that seems empty or echoing, often due to a lack of substance in the surrounding area.

Word Variants:

• Hollowness (noun): The quality of being hollow.
• Hollowly (adverb): In a way that is empty or lacking in meaning.

Different Meanings:

• Physical: Referring to objects that are not solid (like a hollow tree).
• Figurative: Referring to things that are lacking in significance or depth (like hollow promises).

Synonyms:

• Empty
• Vacant
• Void
• Cavity
• Depressed (in terms of land)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Although "hollow" itself isn't commonly used in idioms, you might encounter phrases like "a hollow laugh," which means a laugh that lacks genuine joy or is insincere.

Summary:

"Hollow" can describe an object that is empty inside, a feeling of emptiness or meaninglessness, or even a physical space in the landscape. It can be used in various contexts, both literally and figuratively.

Academic

Adjective

1. devoid of significance or point
   • empty promises
   • a hollow victory
   • vacuous comments
2. as if echoing in a hollow space
   • the hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom
3. not solid; having a space or gap or cavity
   • a hollow wall
   • a hollow tree
   • hollow cheeks
   • his face became gaunter and more hollow with each year

Noun

1. a depression hollowed out of solid matter
2. a small valley between mountains
   • he built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians
3. a cavity or space in something
   • hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks

Verb

1. remove the interior of
   • hollow out a tree trunk
2. remove the inner part or the core of
   • the mining company wants to excavate the hillside

Synonyms

• empty
• vacuous
• hole
• holler
• hollow out
• core out
• excavate
• dig