How Do You Spell HOLLOW?

Pronunciation: [hˈɒlə͡ʊ] (IPA)

The word "hollow" is spelled with the double "l" because the sound of the letter "o" in this word is pronounced as "ah" instead of its usual short "o" sound. In IPA phonetic transcription, the word "hollow" is written as /ˈhɑloʊ/. The first two symbols /ˈhɑ/ represent the "ah" sound, while the last two symbols /loʊ/ represent the long "o" sound that leads to the pronounced "w" sound at the end of the word.

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Plural
Conjugate verb
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HOLLOW Meaning and Definition

  1. Hollow is an adjective that describes something as having a space or cavity within, or lacking substance, depth, or solidity. It commonly refers to an empty or vacant area within an object or structure.

    In a physical sense, hollow refers to having a void or empty space inside, typically characterized by walls or surfaces that enclose the cavity. This can be seen in natural formations, such as hollow trees, caves, or empty shells. Additionally, hollow can describe man-made objects, like pipes, tubes, or containers, which are characterized by their hollow interior.

    Metaphorically, hollow can describe something lacking substance or depth. It implies an emptiness or insincerity, often used to describe words, promises, or actions that are superficial, lacking genuine meaning or feeling. For example, one might describe a hollow victory as a win that feels meaningless or unsatisfying.

    Furthermore, hollow can also be used to describe a depressed or sunken appearance, referring to a surface that has a concave shape. This is commonly observed in physical features like cheeks, eyes, or cheeks that appear to have lost their fullness.

    In conclusion, hollow describes either a physical trait of having an empty space or cavity inside an object, or a metaphorical characteristic of lacking depth, substance, or sincerity.

  2. • Having an empty space within; not solid; deep; not sincere or faithful; not real; false.
    • Any depression of surface; a cavity; a pit; a groove.
    • To dig or scoop out; to excavate.
    • Without difficulty, as he carries it hollow; without a chance of success, or beyond a doubt, as he was beaten hollow.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for HOLLOW *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for HOLLOW

Etymology of HOLLOW

The word "hollow" originates from Old English "holh", which referred to a cavity or hole. This term can be traced back to Proto-Germanic "*hulą" meaning "hole" or "hollow". It is also related to Old Norse "holr" and German "hohl", all sharing the same basic meaning.

Idioms with the word HOLLOW

  • ring/sound hollow The idiom "ring/sound hollow" is used to describe something that seems empty, insincere, or lacking substance or authenticity. It suggests that what is being said or presented lacks genuine emotion, truthfulness, or conviction.
  • beat sb hollow The idiom "beat someone hollow" means to defeat or surpass someone to such an extent that they appear entirely inferior or defeated. It implies a complete and decisive victory over the other person.
  • ring hollow The idiom "ring hollow" means to sound unconvincing, insincere, or lacking in substance or authenticity. It is often used to describe statements, promises, or arguments that seem empty or without genuine meaning.
  • hollow sth out The idiom "hollow something out" means to remove the inner part or contents of something, usually leaving only the outer shell or surface intact. It is often used metaphorically to describe situations where the essential or meaningful aspects of something are removed or depleted, leaving it empty or lacking substance.
  • beat hollow The idiom "beat hollow" means to defeat someone thoroughly or to achieve a significantly superior performance. It suggests surpassing or outclassing someone to such an extent that their efforts seem insignificant or of little consequence in comparison.
  • to have a hollow leg The idiom "to have a hollow leg" means to have an unusually large capacity or appetite for eating and drinking. It implies that the person can consume a large amount of food and drink without getting full or intoxicated.
  • beat (all) hollow The idiom "beat (all) hollow" means to defeat someone or something effortlessly and completely. It suggests a complete domination or overwhelming victory.
  • hollow out The idiom "hollow out" means to remove the inside or essential parts of something, leaving only the outer shell. It can also refer to the process of causing something to become weak, empty, or lacking substance.
  • all hollow The idiom "all hollow" typically means completely without substance, meaning, or value. It is used to describe something that is empty, insincere, or lacking in depth or significance.
  • beat (someone or something) all hollow The idiom "beat (someone or something) all hollow" means to thoroughly defeat someone or something in a competition or contest, leaving no doubt about one's superiority or dominance. It is used to emphasize the complete and overwhelming victory over the opponent.
  • beat (one) hollow The idiom "beat (one) hollow" means to defeat someone decisively or thoroughly, usually in a competition or argument, by a wide margin or with great superiority in performance or skill. It represents a complete and overwhelming victory over the opponent.
  • beat somebody/something hollow The idiom "beat somebody/something hollow" means to defeat someone or something decisively and completely. It implies a clear and overwhelming victory, leaving no doubt about the superiority or dominance of the winning party.
  • beat someone hollow To "beat someone hollow" means to defeat or outperform someone decisively or completely. It often suggests a lopsided victory or superiority in a particular area, such as a competition, game, or skill. It implies that the winning party surpasses the opponent by a significant margin, rendering them completely ineffective or unable to compete.
  • have (a) hollow leg(s) The idiom "have (a) hollow leg(s)" is used to describe someone who has an unusually large appetite or the ability to consume large quantities of food without seeming to become full. It implies that the person's stomach is hollow, metaphorically suggesting they can eat more than the average person without feeling full.
  • in the hollow of (one's) hand The idiom "in the hollow of (one's) hand" refers to having complete control or power over someone or something. It denotes a situation where one has authority or influence over another person or situation, often implying that the person or thing being controlled is completely at the mercy or under the complete influence of someone else.
  • in the hollow of your hand The idiom "in the hollow of your hand" means having complete control or power over someone or something, often implying the ability to shape or manipulate them at will. It draws upon the imagery of holding something or someone in the palm of your hand, suggesting the extent of influence or authority one possesses.
  • hollow something out The idiom "hollow something out" typically refers to the process of removing the inside content or core of something, leaving the outer shell intact. It can also be used metaphorically to mean the act of emptying or depleting the essence or substance of something.
  • sound hollow The idiom "sound hollow" means that something said or done lacks genuineness, sincerity, or substance. It implies that the words or actions seem empty, insincere, or unconvincing, giving the impression that they are not rooted in truth or value.
  • hollow legs The idiom "hollow legs" refers to someone's seemingly insatiable appetite, suggesting that they have a bottomless stomach or have the ability to consume large amounts of food without feeling full.
  • ring true/false/hollow When something "rings true," it means that it seems genuine, truthful, or believable. When something "rings false," it means that it seems insincere, deceptive, or untrue. When something "rings hollow," it means that it seems empty, lacking in sincerity or substance.

Similar spelling words for HOLLOW

Plural form of HOLLOW is HOLLOWS

Conjugate verb Hollow

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have hollowed
you would have hollowed
he/she/it would have hollowed
we would have hollowed
they would have hollowed
I would have hollow
you would have hollow
he/she/it would have hollow
we would have hollow
they would have hollow

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been hollowing
you would have been hollowing
he/she/it would have been hollowing
we would have been hollowing
they would have been hollowing

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would hollow
you would hollow
he/she/it would hollow
we would hollow
they would hollow

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be hollowing
you would be hollowing
he/she/it would be hollowing
we would be hollowing
they would be hollowing

FUTURE

I will hollow
you will hollow
he/she/it will hollow
we will hollow
they will hollow

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be hollowing
you will be hollowing
he/she/it will be hollowing
we will be hollowing
they will be hollowing

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have hollowed
you will have hollowed
he/she/it will have hollowed
we will have hollowed
they will have hollowed

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been hollowing
you will have been hollowing
he/she/it will have been hollowing
we will have been hollowing
they will have been hollowing

IMPERATIVE

you hollow
we let´s hollow

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to hollow

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was hollowing
you were hollowing
he/she/it was hollowing
we were hollowing
they were hollowing

PAST PARTICIPLE

hollowed

PAST PERFECT

I had hollowed
you had hollowed
he/she/it had hollowed
we had hollowed
they had hollowed

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been hollowing
you had been hollowing
he/she/it had been hollowing
we had been hollowing
they had been hollowing

PRESENT

I hollow
you hollow
he/she/it hollows
we hollow
they hollow

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am hollowing
you are hollowing
he/she/it is hollowing
we are hollowing
they are hollowing

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

hollowing

PRESENT PERFECT

I have hollowed
you have hollowed
he/she/it has hollowed
we have hollowed
they have hollowed

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been hollowing
you have been hollowing
he/she/it has been hollowing
we have been hollowing
they have been hollowing

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it hollow

SIMPLE PAST

I hollowed
you hollowed
he/she/it hollowed
we hollowed
they hollowed

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