blank

Everyday

1. Blank means with nothing written, drawn or recorded on it: a blank page, a blank screen. tree →
2. A blank is an empty space where you write a missing word or number: «fill in the blanks». tree →
3. A blank look shows no feeling or understanding. tree →
4. If your mind goes blank, you suddenly cannot remember anything. tree →
5. A blank is a gun cartridge with no bullet, which only makes a bang. tree →
6. (informal) To blank someone is to ignore them on purpose. tree →

In the lessons

In school, «fill in the blanks» exercises have missing words or numbers (5 + __ = 12). In art, you start with a blank sheet. In tests, your mind can go blank from nerves — breathe and come back to the question. Phrases: «fill in the blanks», «go blank», «draw a blank» (find nothing), «blank cheque», «point-blank».

Examples

• Fill in the blanks with the correct word. tree →
• Write your name on the blank line. tree →
• The screen went blank during the film. tree →
• My mind went blank in the spelling test. tree →
• He gave me a blank look when I asked. tree →
• Start your drawing on a blank page. tree →
• We searched for the keys but drew a blank. tree →
• Leave no blanks on the form. tree →
• The Book of Truth lay open before him, but, its pages were to him as blank paper. tree →

Note

Comparative rarely used. In maths, a blank or box stands for an unknown number, like a letter in algebra: 7 × __ = 56, so the blank is 8. Starting-pistol blanks in races still make a dangerous bang — never point any gun at people.