A2adjective1K

Empty

UK /["/ˈempti/"]/US /["/ˈempti/"]/

Definition

with no people or things inside

In simple words: Having nothing inside it.

Examples

  • The box was empty, so I decided to fill it with toys.
  • After eating all the cookies, the jar is now empty.
  • He felt so empty inside after his friend moved away.
  • The streets were empty during the late-night hours.
  • Her speech sounded empty; it lacked any real meaning.
  • The glass was empty, and she wanted some water.
  • The room felt empty without any furniture.
  • He stared at the empty page, searching for inspiration.

Usage notes

Use 'empty' to describe physical spaces, containers, or feelings. It may not be appropriate for formal writing when referring to more abstract concepts like 'empty promises'.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'M.T.'—like an empty gas tank, as in 'M.T. means empty'.

Collocations

  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • completely
  • entirely
  • quite
  • of
  • appear
  • be
  • feel
  • completely
  • entirely
  • quite
  • of

Synonyms

  • hollow

Antonyms

  • full
  • occupied
  • loaded

Common mistakes

  • Using 'emptied' instead of 'empty' for describing a current state.
  • Saying 'an emptyness' instead of 'emptiness' when referring to the state of being empty.