hollow
- 01 B1 Intermediate
adj.having an empty space inside instead of being solid.
adj.containing an empty space or cavity within a solid structure.
Simple“The squirrels lived inside a hollow tree in the back garden.”
In context“The sculpture was cast in bronze but remained hollow to ensure it was light enough for the gallery floor to support.”
- 02 B2 Upper Intermediate
adj.not sincere or having no real value.
adj.lacking significance, sincerity, or substance; often used to describe promises or victories.
Simple“His apology felt hollow because he kept making the same mistakes.”
In context“The politician's promises rang hollow to the voters, who had seen similar pledges go unfulfilled after previous elections.”
SynonymsAntonyms - 03 C1 Advanced
adj.looking empty and deep, like eyes when someone is very tired.
adj.having a concave or sunken appearance, typically referring to facial features due to illness or exhaustion.
Simple“After weeks of illness, his cheeks looked hollow and pale.”
In context“The protagonist was depicted with hollow eyes and a weary expression, reflecting the psychological toll of his long journey.”
- 04 C1 Advanced
adj.sounding like it is coming from an empty space.
adj.characterised by a reverberating, muffled, or low-pitched quality, as if produced within a cavity.
Simple“We heard a hollow thud when the ball hit the wooden floor.”
In context“A hollow echoing sound drifted up from the well, suggesting the water level was much lower than they had anticipated.”
- 05 B2 Upper Intermediate
n.a hole in something or a small, low valley.
n.a cavity or unfilled space; also a small valley or depression in the land.
Simple“The rabbit disappeared into a hollow under the roots of the oak tree.”
In context“The village was nestled in a quiet hollow between two steep ridges, protected from the harsh winter winds.”
Synonyms - 06 B2 Upper Intermediate
v.to remove the inside of something to make it empty.
v.to create a cavity or hole by removing the interior of a solid object.
Simple“The children hollowed out the pumpkin to make a lantern for the party.”
In context“Artisans would traditionally hollow out the logs using controlled fires and stone tools to create sturdy canoes.”
UsageOften used with the particle 'out'.
“Hollowed by the loss of a child, an American family travels through Scotland, kept afloat by “pure itinerary”.”
“These records seem pretty hollow in light of the human cost, but those who pursue them clearly feel they’re worth the risk.”
From Middle English holow, holowe, holwe, holwȝ, holgh, from Old English holh (“a hollow”), from Proto-West Germanic holh, from Proto-Germanic hulhwą, perhaps from Proto-Indo-European *ḱólḱwos. Cognate with Old High German huliwa and hulwa, Middle High German hülwe. Related to hole.
From Middle English holowe, holwe, holuȝ, holgh, from the noun (see above).
Compare holler.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.