emptiness

Everyday

1. The state of having nothing or nobody inside. tree →
2. A sad feeling that something is missing in your life, or that nothing matters. tree →

In the lessons

In stories, the emptiness of a house or a desert sets a lonely mood; in talk about feelings, emptiness can come with grief or sadness, and it helps to talk to someone; in religion and philosophy, some traditions speak of emptiness as calm; phrases: «a feeling of emptiness», «the emptiness of space».

Examples

• The emptiness of the classroom after school felt strange. tree →
• After her friend moved away, she felt a deep emptiness. tree →
• Astronauts look out at the emptiness of space. tree →
• The emptiness of the desert stretched for miles. tree →
• The house echoed with emptiness. tree →
• If you feel emptiness for a long time, tell a grown-up you trust. tree →

Note

Uncountable. Built from empty + ness (y → i). Opposite: fullness. Feelings of emptiness are worth sharing with a trusted adult.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: In Sefer Yetzirah, the void (tohu) is the formless state before creation. Tradition reads it as the nothing from which God made something. In Isaiah, "the plummet of emptiness" is a measuring line that God stretches over Edom, meaning it will be left empty and ruined. In the Psalms, "unto emptiness" means leaving an enemy with nothing. In the primary lessons: In stories, the emptiness of a house or a desert sets a lonely mood; in talk about feelings, emptiness can come with grief or sadness, and it helps to talk to someone; in religion and philosophy, some traditions speak of emptiness as calm; phrases: «a feeling of emptiness», «the emptiness of space».

Examples

• If I have requited him that did evil unto me, or spoiled mine adversary unto emptiness; (Writings PSA.7.5, JPS 1917) tree →
• But the pelican and the bittern shall possess it, and the owl and the raven shall dwell therein; and He shall stretch over it the line of confusion, and the plummet of emptiness. (Prophets ISA.34.11, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Uncountable. Built from empty + ness (y → i). Opposite: fullness. Feelings of emptiness are worth sharing with a trusted adult.