blank
UK: blæŋk | US: blæŋk
adj. 1. (of a surface or space) empty or unmarked; lacking features or content.
adj. 2. showing no expression, understanding, or interest.
n. 1. an empty space or period of time.
n. 2. a cartridge containing gunpowder but no bullet, used for training or saluting.
The word "blank" originates from the Old French blanc, meaning "white" or "shining." It entered Middle English with the sense of "white" or "pale," later evolving to describe emptiness (e.g., an unmarked space) due to the association of whiteness with absence or neutrality. The modern meanings of "void" or "expressionless" derive from this visual metaphor.
She stared at the blank page, unable to write a single word.
His face remained blank during the entire conversation.
Fill in the blanks with the correct answers.
The actor fired a blank during the rehearsal.
The desert stretched out, a blank expanse of sand.