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vacuous
Vacuous (adjective) – Meaning, Examples & Etymology
IPA:
What does vacuous mean?
Empty, devoid of content, or lacking in substance, often suggesting a profound emptiness or shallowness.
"The vacuous expression on her face made it clear that she wasn't paying attention."
Detailed Meaning of Vacuous
When we characterize something as vacuous, we emphasize its lack of meaningful or substantial qualities, indicating that it is insipid or without depth. Vacuous expressions, conversations, or statements are often characterized by a lack of significance or intellectual content, coming across as superficial or vapid. Similarly, a vacuous gaze or demeanor may indicate a lack of thought or engagement. This term conveys a sense of emptiness and a dearth of substance or meaningful content, making it synonymous with shallowness or hollowness. "Vacuous" is often used to describe things that lack depth, meaning, or intellectual weight.
Example Sentences for Vacuous
1. The vacuous statement provided no substantial information.
2. She had a vacuous expression on her face, showing a lack of interest.
3. His vacuous behavior indicated a lack of intelligence or depth.
4. The speaker's vacuous speech failed to address the critical issues.
5. The article was filled with vacuous claims and unsubstantiated facts.
6. The movie received negative reviews for its vacuous plot and shallow characters.
Origin and Etymology of Vacuous
The adjective 'vacuous' has its etymological origins in the Latin word 'vacuus,' which means 'empty' or 'void.' In Latin, 'vacuus' was used to describe things that were physically empty or devoid of substance. As the term entered the English language, it took on a more abstract sense, describing things that are empty in a metaphorical or intellectual sense, such as lacking in meaningful content or substance. 'Vacuous' conveys the idea of profound emptiness or shallowness, often suggesting a lack of depth or meaningful content. Therefore, the etymology of 'vacuous' underscores its use as an adjective to depict something as empty, devoid of substance, or shallow in nature.
Quiz Question - Test Your Understanding
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More Usage Examples of Vacuous
1. He was known for making vacuous remarks that added no value to the conversation.
2. The social media influencer gained followers with vacuous content that lacked substance.
3. The politician's speech was criticized for its vacuous promises and lack of concrete plans.
4. She found the party conversation vacuous and devoid of meaningful discussion.
5. The book was dismissed as a vacuous self-help guide without any real substance.
6. His vacuous smile hid a lack of understanding or engagement with the topic.
7. The advertisement featured vacuous slogans and empty promises.
8. The student's essay was filled with vacuous statements and lacked depth.
9. The celebrity's vacuous lifestyle was the subject of media scrutiny.
10. The vacuous art installation failed to evoke any emotion or meaning.
11. The conversation at the dinner party turned vacuous as small talk dominated.
12. The magazine article was criticized for its vacuous content that provided no valuable insights.
13. His vacuous gaze made it clear that he was not paying attention to the lecture.
14. The television show was criticized for its vacuous portrayal of relationships and shallow drama.
Synonyms and Related Words for Vacuous
Related Vocabulary Practice
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✔ Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.
✔ All-in-one dictionary, thesaurus, & workbook.
✔ 147 categorized lessons, 428 practical activities, 632 pages.
✔ Suitable for students & professionals of all ages.
✔ Ideal preparation for: TOEFL, TOEIC, IELTS, SAT, ACT, GRE, GMAT