The word 'blank' is versatile in the English language, used across various contexts to denote emptiness, lack of content, or unmarked space. It has applications in both physical and metaphorical contexts, from forms and pages to expressions and emotional states. Its origin, linked to the word 'white' in various European languages, connects it to purity, neutrality, and absence. 'Blank' has remained relevant in both daily language and specialized fields such as art, design, technology, and literature.
blank in English
- blank⇄adj. 1. not written or printed on; unused.
Ex. sheets of blank paper.
2. with spaces left to be filled in.
Ex. a blank check. Here is a blank form for you to fill in and return.
3. empty; vacant.
Ex. a blank space, a blank - blank⇄adv. blankly.
- blank⇄blank, noun, adjective, verb.
- blank⇄expr. blank out,
a. to hide or obscure; cover over; blot out.
Ex. His name had been blanked out.
b. to become obscured or blotted out.
Ex. The television screen blanked out. Her mind blanked out as she fell and lost consciousnes - blank⇄expr. draw a blank, to end a fruitless attempt; be unsuccessful in one's efforts.
Ex. I drew a blank at least half the time (Bernard DeVoto). - blank⇄expr. in blank, prepared with blank spaces, as a form.
Ex. A note endorsed in blank is like one payable to bearer (James Kent). - blank⇄noun blankness.
- blank⇄noun 1. a space left empty or to be filled in.
Ex. Leave a blank if you can't answer the question.
2. (Especially U.S.) a paper with spaces to be filled in.
Ex. Fill out this application blank and return it at once.
3. (Figurati - blank⇄v.t. 1. (in games) to keep (an opponent) from scoring.
2. to stamp or cut from a piece of metal.
Ex. Spoons and forks are blanked from sheet or strip (London Times).
blank in Sindhi سنڌي
Blank
Part of Speech
Adjective, Noun, Verb
Pronunciation
/blæŋk/
Definitions
- Adjective: Lacking any marks or features; empty or void.
- Noun: A space left unfilled or empty, especially on a form or document.
- Verb: To make or leave something empty, blank, or void of content.
Usage Examples
- "The page was blank, with no writing or images."
- "Please fill in the blank on the form."
- "She blanked him during the meeting, not responding to his question."
Etymology
From Middle English 'blank' meaning "empty" or "pale," derived from Old French 'blanc,' meaning "white" or "pale," related to the Latin 'blancus,' meaning "white, bright, or shining." The word has evolved to refer to something that is empty or without markings.
Synonyms
- Empty
- Vacant
- Void
- Unfilled
- Bare
Antonyms
- Filled
- Complete
- Occupied
- Marked
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | Vide | /vid/ |
| Spanish | Vacío | /baˈθi.o/ |
| German | Leer | /leːɐ̯/ |
| Italian | Vuoto | /ˈvwɔːto/ |
| Portuguese | Vazio | /vaˈzi.u/ |
| Hindi | खाली | /kʰaːliː/ |
| Tamil | வெற்று | /veṟṟu/ |
| Bengali | খালি | /kʰaːli/ |
| Telugu | ఖాళీ | /kʰaːɭiː/ |
| Marathi | रिकामं | /rikāmaṁ/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
- British English: /blæŋk/
- American English: /blæŋk/
Historical Usage
Historically, the word 'blank' was first used in the 14th century to describe something pale or white. Over time, it broadened to describe anything that was empty or without markings. In more modern times, it has been used to describe unfilled spaces on forms, documents, or in digital contexts like blank screens or fields.
Cultural Nuances
In many cultures, 'blank' can carry a variety of meanings. It may symbolize emptiness, a lack of content, or even a fresh start. For example, a "blank slate" refers to a new opportunity to start again, often free from previous mistakes or influences. The term 'blank' is also used metaphorically to describe emotional states such as a "blank expression" or "blank mind."