Definition of hollowness

The word "hollowness" has its roots in Old English. It is derived from the word "holwan," which means "to make empty" or "to hollow out." This verb is related to the Old English word "holl," meaning "hollow" or "empty." The word "hollowness" has been in use since the 15th century, initially referring to the state of being hollow or empty. Over time, its meaning expanded to describe a sense of emptiness or voidness, often used to describe emotional or spiritual states. In literature, the word is often used to convey a sense of despair, desolation, or desperation. In modern English, "hollowness" is used to describe a feeling of emptiness or lack of purpose, and is often associated with themes of existential crisis, loss, and longing. Despite its origins in the physical sense of emptiness, the word "hollowness" has evolved to capture the deeper human experiences of loneliness and disconnection.