nothingness
UK[ˈnʌθɪŋnəs]US[ˈnʌθɪŋnəs]
n
the state of being nothing, or of not existing
n
something that is without meaning, value, or interest
Morpheme Breakdown
nothing
ness
nothing
not anything
ness
Etymology
the word 'nothingness' is a transparent compound formed within english from the native elements 'nothing' and the suffix '-ness'. 'nothing' itself originates from the old english 'nān þing', a fusion meaning 'not a thing', which evolved through middle english. the addition of the old english suffix '-nes', used to form abstract nouns denoting a state or quality, transforms the concept of 'nothing' into the abstract state or condition of non-existence. thus, the literal 'state of being not a thing' evolved into the modern philosophical and general term for non-existence or insignificance.
Analysis
Structure: nothing + ness
nothing: from old english 'nān þing' (not a thing), functioning as the core noun meaning 'not anything'.
ness: from old english '-nes', a noun-forming suffix indicating state, quality, or condition.
Examples
the meditation focused on the concept of emptiness and nothingness.
after the company shut down, he felt a profound sense of nothingness.
the plot of the movie was criticized for its utter nothingness.