empty
/ˈɛm.ti/Containing nothing; having no contents.
The glass was empty after he drank all the water.
The glass had no water left in it.
The parking lot was empty at midnight.
There were no cars in the parking lot.
Can describe physical containers or abstract concepts like emotions.
Having no meaning or substance; hollow.
His promises turned out to be empty.
His promises were not genuine or meaningful.
Used to describe things that lack sincerity or value.
Collocations
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related Phrases
💡Pro Tip
Literal vs. Figurative Use
Remember that 'empty' can describe both physical containers and abstract concepts like emotions or promises.
⚡Gold Rule
Common Collocations
'Empty' often pairs with 'handed', 'nest', and 'threat' in common phrases.
📖Word Origin
From Middle English 'empti', from Old French 'emptie', from Latin 'inanis' meaning 'empty, vain, hollow'.
📝Usage Notes
Can be used both literally (no physical contents) and figuratively (lacking meaning or substance).