hollow
UK[ˈhɒləʊ]US[ˈhɑːloʊ]
adj
having a hole or empty space inside
adj
(of a sound) lacking resonance, seeming to come from an empty space
adj
without real value or sincerity; false
n
a hole or a low area in a surface
v
to make something hollow
Etymology
the word 'hollow' originates from the old english adjective 'holh', meaning 'cavity' or 'hole', which is related to 'hol', meaning 'hollow'. these terms trace back to the proto-germanic root hul-, from the proto-indo-European root kel-, meaning 'to cover, conceal, or save'. the semantic connection lies in the concept of a covered or concealed space. over time, the meaning evolved from simply denoting a physical cavity to encompassing metaphorical senses of emptiness, such as a hollow sound or a hollow promise, capturing the essence of something lacking substance within its outer form.
Analysis
the word 'hollow' is a simplex word derived from a single old english root. it is not productively formed from smaller, independent morphemes in modern english.
Examples
the old tree was completely hollow inside.
his victory felt hollow without his family there to celebrate.
the wind made a hollow sound as it blew through the canyon.