HOLLOW Meaning and
Definition
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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.
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• 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
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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
- hill,
- hoyle,
- Hollaway,
- Howell,
- Hollie,
- holy,
- he'll,
- halo,
- hohl,
- holey,
- hollows,
- Howle,
- Holley,
- hall,
- hole,
- holla,
- Hell,
- hallow,
- howley,
- hull,
- howl,
- Holli,
- holly,
- Holloway,
- hello,
- holler,
- HOLL,
- hoel,
- Holaway,
- follow,
- hooley,
- hollo,
- holloa,
- Holle,
- houle,
- hollower.
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
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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