In a sentence, "empty" primarily signifies a complete absence of contents from something that could or should contain them. It denotes a state of nothingness within a defined space or container.
The Core Meaning of Empty
At its heart, "empty" conveys a total lack of what is expected or possible to be present. When something is described as empty, it means there is absolutely nothing inside it. This concept applies broadly to physical objects, spaces, or even abstract ideas.
For instance:
- An empty cupboard has no food items.
- The auditorium was empty before the concertgoers arrived.
- She carried an empty basket to the market.
Nuances and Related Terms
While "empty" specifically points to a complete absence of contents, it belongs to a family of words that all share the fundamental meaning of lacking contents which could or should be present. These include "vacant," "blank," "void," and "vacuous," each carrying its own specific nuance.
The table below illustrates the distinctions among these related terms:
| Word | Shared Core Meaning | Specific Nuance | Example Sentence |
|---|---|---|---|
| Empty | Lacking contents which could or should be present | A complete absence of contents from a container or space. | The empty bucket sat by the well. |
| Vacant | Lacking contents which could or should be present | An absence of appropriate contents or occupants for a place. | We drove past a vacant house. |
| Blank | Lacking contents which could or should be present | Devoid of anything written, printed, or marked, often implying a surface. | He stared at the blank page, waiting for inspiration. |
| Void | Lacking contents which could or should be present | A complete emptiness, often implying a large, unfillable space or a sense of nothingness. | The explorer stared into the dark void below. |
| Vacuous | Lacking contents which could or should be present | Emptied of content, often implying a lack of intelligence, substance, or meaning. | His vacuous remarks contributed nothing to the debate. |
Common Applications and Examples
The versatility of "empty" allows its use in various contexts, both literal and metaphorical:
- Literal Absence:
- "The refrigerator was empty, so we had to go grocery shopping."
- "He poured the last of the juice, leaving the carton empty."
- Absence of People or Life:
- "The streets were empty in the early hours of the morning."
- "The once bustling village is now almost empty of residents."
- Emotional or Figurative Lack:
- "After the loss, she felt an empty feeling in her chest."
- "His promises felt empty of genuine intent."
- Resources or Time:
- "My wallet is empty after paying all the bills."
- "The deadline is approaching, and my time for revisions is empty."
Understanding "empty" helps to precisely describe situations where something is entirely without contents, whether tangible or abstract.
