emptiness

UK: ˈɛmptinəs | US: ˈɛmptinəs

Definition
  1. n. the state of containing nothing or being unoccupied

  2. n. a feeling of loneliness or lack of purpose

Structure
empty <containing nothing>ness <noun suffix indicating state or quality>
Etymology

The word "emptiness" derives from the Old English "ǣmtiġ" (empty), which originally meant "at leisure" or "unoccupied," later evolving to mean "containing nothing." The suffix "-ness," of Germanic origin, transforms adjectives into nouns denoting a state or condition. Over time, "emptiness" expanded from describing physical void to abstract emotional or existential lack.

Examples
  1. The emptiness of the abandoned house felt eerie.

  2. After her departure, he was left with a profound sense of emptiness.

  3. The desert’s vast emptiness was both beautiful and intimidating.

  4. Material wealth couldn’t fill the emptiness in his heart.

  5. The artist used white space to symbolize emptiness in the painting.