hollow
UK: ˈhɒləʊ | US: ˈhɑːloʊ
adj. having a hole or empty space inside
adj. (of sound) deep and echoing
n. a depressed or empty area
vt. to make hollow by removing inner material
hollow = hol<hole> + low<not solid>
- hol<hole>: From Old English holh (cavity, hollow place), related to Proto-Germanic hulaz (hollow).
- low<not solid>: From Old English hlēow (sheltered, warm), later influenced by the sense of "lacking substance."
Etymology Origin:
The word hollow traces back to Old English holh, meaning "cavity," combined with the concept of emptiness or lack of solidity (low). Over time, it evolved to describe both physical voids and metaphorical insubstantiality (e.g., hollow promises). The echoing sound sense emerged from the acoustic properties of empty spaces.
The tree trunk was hollow after years of decay.
His laughter echoed through the hollow corridor.
They found a small hollow in the ground to camp.
The sculptor hollowed out the clay to create a vase.
Her victory felt hollow without her team’s support.