The word "hollows" is spelled with a silent "w" which can confuse some people. The IPA phonetic transcription for "hollows" is /ˈhɒləʊz/. The "h" is pronounced clearly, followed by the first syllable "hol" with a short "o" sound and a flapped "l" sound. Next, the silent "w" comes into play followed by the second syllable "ows." The "ow" sound is pronounced with a long "o" sound and a diphthong "w" sound at the end. So, "hollows" is pronounced as "HOL-ohz."
Hollows, in its plural form, refers to depressions or concave areas, typically found in the earth's surface or objects, that are characterized by having a curved or sunken shape. This term encompasses a variety of meanings and usages.
In the context of geography and geology, hollows commonly refer to natural depressions or cavities that form due to erosion, weathering, or other geological processes. They can be found in landscapes such as valleys, canyons, or basins. Hollows can also refer to small, shallow indentations or divots on the ground's surface, often caused by the erosion of soil or softer materials.
Furthermore, the term hollows can extend to describing physical characteristics of objects or structures. For instance, it can refer to indentations or cavities on the surface of a person's body, such as the eye sockets or the curvature of the cheeks. In carpentry or woodworking, hollows can indicate the concave form created when carving or shaping surfaces like wood or stone.
In a figurative sense, the term can be used metaphorically to describe emotional or psychological states. For example, hollows can represent feelings of emptiness, shallowness, or a lack of substance. In this sense, it implies a void or an absence of deeper meaning or significance.
Overall, the word "hollows" encompasses a wide range of meanings, from describing natural depressions in the terrain to referencing physical, emotional, or metaphorical voids.
The word "hollows" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the Old English word "holh", which meant "hole" or "cavity". Over time, the word evolved and became "holuh", then "holuwe", and finally the modern form "hollow". The word has been used to describe empty spaces, depressions, concavities, or sunken areas in the ground or in objects.