Part of Speech

Adjective

Pronunciation

/ˈbɒtəmˌlɛs/

Definitions

• Adjective: Lacking a bottom or having no bottom. Used to describe something that is very deep or seemingly endless. Example: "a bottomless pit."
• Used figuratively to describe something that appears endless or inexhaustible, such as a "bottomless appetite" or "bottomless wealth."

Usage Examples

• The well seemed bottomless as the explorers descended deeper into it.
• She has a bottomless enthusiasm for the arts.
• The bottomless canyon stretched for miles, its depths unknown.

Etymology

The term "bottomless" comes from the combination of "bottom," from the Old English "botm," meaning "base" or "lowest part," and the suffix "-less," indicating the absence of something. The word first appeared in English during the 14th century, and it has been used both literally and figuratively since that time.

Synonyms

• Endless
• Unfathomable
• Infinite
• Boundless
• Depthless

Antonyms

• Shallow
• Limited
• Finite
• Superficial

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

The pronunciation of "bottomless" can slightly vary depending on regional accents. For example, in some dialects, the "t" sound may be pronounced softer, or the "o" may sound like a short "a" in some accents.

Historical Usage

"Bottomless" has been used since the 14th century, originally describing physical objects with no bottom, like a "bottomless pit." Over time, its figurative use to describe anything limitless, such as an endless amount of something, has become prevalent, especially in descriptions of emotions, quantities, and abstract concepts.

Cultural Nuances

In some cultures, the phrase "bottomless" is often used to describe things that seem infinite or beyond measurement. For instance, "bottomless" may be used to describe an endless supply of something enjoyable, like a "bottomless buffet" or a "bottomless coffee cup." It has also taken on a more mystical or existential connotation when referring to emotions or experiences that feel limitless or unquantifiable.

More Information

"Bottomless" is most commonly used to describe things that are physically deep or endless, like an abyss or pit. However, its figurative meaning has expanded, referring to anything that seems to be without limit, whether it’s a physical quantity, an abstract concept like patience, or even intangible things like beauty. The word has grown into a useful adjective in both literal and metaphorical contexts, helping to express vastness, eternity, or the idea of something that cannot be fully understood or quantified.