What is hollow? Pronunciation and usage in English

Let's break down how to use the word "hollow" – it's a surprisingly versatile word! Here's a detailed explanation, categorized by its different meanings and how to use them:

1. As an Adjective (Describing emptiness or lack of substance):

• Meaning: This is the most common usage. It describes something that is empty inside, lacking substance, feeling cold, or lacking warmth.
• Examples:
  • "The statue was hollow inside, so it didn't feel solid." (Physical emptiness)
  • "She felt hollow after the loss of her job." (Emotional emptiness)
  • “His arguments were hollow – they lacked any real conviction.” (Lacking substance or meaning)
  • "The silence in the room was hollow and uncomfortable." (A feeling of emptiness)

2. As a Verb (To create a cavity or empty space):

• Meaning: To make a hole or cavity in something.
• Examples:
  • “The carpenter hollowed out the wood to create a bowl.”
  • “They hoped to hollow out the old building and turn it into apartments.”
  • “The sculptor carefully hollowed the clay to create a delicate form.”

3. As a Noun (A cavity or empty space):

• Meaning: A hole or empty space, often in something that was once solid.
• Examples:
  • “The pumpkin had a hollow shape.”
  • “The archaeologist found a hollow in the cave wall.”
  • “A hollow in the tree trunk provided a home for nesting birds."

4. Figurative Meanings (More nuanced, often related to emotion or experience):

• “Hollow” feeling/experience: This goes beyond just physical emptiness. It describes a feeling of being empty, devoid of joy, purpose, or connection. It's often used to describe grief, loneliness, or disillusionment.

  • "After years of searching, he realized his life felt hollow."
  • "The victory felt hollow because of the sacrifices made."

• “Hollow voice”: This signifies a voice that lacks emotion, sincerity, or warmth.

  • "The politician delivered a hollow speech, filled with empty promises.”

5. Related Words & Phrases:

• Hollow-sounding: Describes a noise or voice that is weak, lacking resonance.
• Hollow man/woman: (Often used critically) – Suggests someone who is superficial, lacking depth, or pretending to be something they’re not.
• Hollow victory: A victory that is ultimately meaningless because it was achieved at a great cost or lacks genuine value.

Tips for Using "Hollow" Effectively:

• Consider the context: The meaning of "hollow" changes depending on the sentence. Pay attention to what’s being described.
• Show, don’t just tell: Instead of saying “He felt hollow,” describe how he felt: “He stared blankly ahead, a sense of numbness settling over him.”
• Use it to create imagery: “The abandoned house stood hollow and decaying.”

Resources for Further Learning:

• Merriam-Webster Dictionary: https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/hollow
• Cambridge Dictionary: https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/hollow

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

• What kind of context are you trying to use "hollow" in? (e.g., writing a story, a formal essay, a casual conversation?)