Hollow vs. Valley — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 19, 2024
Hollows are small depressions or cavities in a surface, often naturally occurring, while valleys are extensive low areas between hills or mountains, usually shaped by water or glacial activity.
Difference Between Hollow and Valley
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Key Differences
A hollow is typically a small, localized depression in the land, often naturally occurring due to erosion or the collapse of an underground structure, whereas a valley is a larger geographical feature that stretches between mountains or hills, formed primarily by the actions of rivers or glaciers over time.
Hollows are generally more secluded, offering a confined sense of space, while valleys are expansive and can span vast areas, influencing larger ecological and climatic conditions.
The formation of a hollow can be relatively rapid due to specific geological events such as sinkholes or small-scale erosion, whereas the formation of valleys usually occurs over millennia, shaped by persistent geological forces.
In terms of ecosystem, hollows might support a more limited range of flora and fauna due to their smaller size and microclimate conditions, on the other hand, valleys often support diverse ecosystems because of their larger environmental gradients and available resources.
Hollows are often noted in folklore and tales as mysterious or isolated places, whereas valleys have been crucial for agriculture, settlement, and as routes for migration and transportation throughout human history.
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Comparison Chart
Size
Smaller, more confined spaces
Larger, extensive areas
Formation
Can form quickly by erosion
Formed slowly by river or glacial action
Location
Often found in wooded or secluded areas
Typically found between mountains or hills
Ecological Impact
Supports limited biodiversity
Supports diverse ecosystems
Cultural Significance
Often associated with folklore and isolation
Important for agriculture and human settlement
Compare with Definitions
Hollow
A small depression in the surface of the ground.
The children discovered a small hollow where rabbits seemed to gather.
Valley
A low area between hills or mountains, often with a river running through it.
The valley was lush and green in the springtime.
Hollow
A secluded, often wooded area that forms a small valley.
The old house was nestled in a quiet hollow, away from the bustling city.
Valley
A prolonged period characterized by a lack of activity or progress.
The company's sales entered a valley last quarter.
Hollow
A cavity or space within something.
The old tree had a hollow large enough to stand in.
Valley
Referring to the internal angles formed by the intersection of two sloping roof surfaces.
They had to repair the valley on the roof to stop the leak.
Hollow
Describing something as sunken or empty.
The sculpture had a hollow section that echoed when tapped.
Valley
Used to describe a state of depression or low point metaphorically.
After losing his job, he felt like he was in a deep valley.
Hollow
Used metaphorically to express emptiness or futility.
His apologies felt hollow after so many mistakes.
Valley
A geographical area that is elongated and surrounded by higher ground.
The valley stretched for miles, with the river winding through it.
Hollow
Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.
Valley
A valley is an elongated low area often running between hills or mountains, which will typically contain a river or stream running from one end to the other. Most valleys are formed by erosion of the land surface by rivers or streams over a very long period of time.
Hollow
Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Valley
A low area of land between hills or mountains, typically with a river or stream flowing through it
The valley floor
The Thames Valley
Hollow
Without substance or character
A hollow person.
Valley
An internal angle formed by the intersecting planes of a roof, or by the slope of a roof and a wall.
Hollow
Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).
Valley
An elongated lowland between ranges of mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a river or stream running along the bottom.
Hollow
Having a reverberating, sepulchral sound
Hollow footsteps.
Valley
An extensive area of land drained or irrigated by a river system.
Hollow
A cavity, gap, or space
A hollow behind a wall.
Valley
A depression or hollow resembling or suggesting a valley, as the point at which the two slopes of a roof meet.
Hollow
An indented or concave surface or area.
Valley
An elongated depression cast between hills or mountains, often garnished with a river flowing through it.
Hollow
A void; an emptiness
A hollow in one's life.
Valley
An area which drains itself into a river.
Hollow
A small valley between hills or mountains.
Valley
Any structure resembling one, e.g. the interior angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Hollow
To make hollow
Hollow out a pumpkin.
Valley
To form the shape of a valley.
Hollow
To scoop or form by making concave
Hollow out a nest in the sand.
Valley
The space inclosed between ranges of hills or mountains; the strip of land at the bottom of the depressions intersecting a country, including usually the bed of a stream, with frequently broad alluvial plains on one or both sides of the stream. Also used figuratively.
The valley of the shadow of death.
Sweet interchangeOf hill and valley, rivers, woods, and plains.
Hollow
To become hollow or empty.
Valley
The place of meeting of two slopes of a roof, which have their plates running in different directions, and form on the plan a reëntrant angle.
Hollow
A small valley between mountains.
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Rockies.
Valley
A long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
Hollow
A sunken area or unfilled space in something solid; a cavity, natural or artificial.
The hollow of the hand or of a tree
Hollow
(figuratively) A feeling of emptiness.
A hollow in the pit of one’s stomach
Hollow
(US) A sunken area.
Hollow
(transitive) to make a hole in something; to excavate
Hollow
To call or urge by shouting; to hollo.
Hollow
(of something solid) Having an empty space or cavity inside.
A hollow tree; a hollow sphere
Hollow
(of a sound) Distant, eerie; echoing, reverberating, as if in a hollow space; dull, muffled; often low-pitched.
He let out a hollow moan.
Hollow
(figuratively) Without substance; having no real or significant worth; meaningless.
A hollow victory
Hollow
(figuratively) Insincere, devoid of validity; specious.
A hollow promise
Hollow
Concave; gaunt; sunken.
Hollow
(gymnastics) Pertaining to hollow body position
Hollow
(colloquial) Completely, as part of the phrase beat hollow or beat all hollow.
Hollow
Alternative form of hollo
Hollow
Having an empty space or cavity, natural or artificial, within a solid substance; not solid; excavated in the interior; as, a hollow tree; a hollow sphere.
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it.
Hollow
Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.
With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.
Hollow
Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.
Hollow
Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.
Hollow
A cavity, natural or artificial; an unfilled space within anything; a hole, a cavern; an excavation; as the hollow of the hand or of a tree.
Hollow
A low spot surrounded by elevations; a depressed part of a surface; a concavity; a channel.
Forests grewUpon the barren hollows.
I hate the dreadful hollow behind the little wood.
Hollow
To make hollow, as by digging, cutting, or engraving; to excavate.
Hollow
To shout; to hollo.
Whisperings and hollowings are alike to a deaf ear.
Hollow
To urge or call by shouting.
He has hollowed the hounds.
Hollow
Hollo.
Hollow
A cavity or space in something;
Hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks
Hollow
A small valley between mountains;
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians
Hollow
A depression hollowed out of solid matter
Hollow
Remove the inner part or the core of;
The mining company wants to excavate the hillsite
Hollow
Remove the interior of;
Hollow out a tree trunk
Hollow
Not solid; having a space or gap or cavity;
A hollow wall
A hollow tree
Hollow cheeks
His face became gaunter and more hollow with each year
Hollow
Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses
Hollow
As if echoing in a hollow space;
The hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom
Hollow
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
Common Curiosities
How is a valley formed?
Valleys are primarily formed by erosion due to the flow of rivers or the movement of glaciers.
What types of ecosystems are found in valleys?
Valleys can host diverse ecosystems, including forests, grasslands, and river ecosystems.
What defines a hollow?
A hollow is defined as a small, enclosed depression in the land, often naturally occurring.
Are valleys important in human geography?
Yes, valleys have been vital for agriculture, human settlement, and transportation routes throughout history.
What is the cultural significance of hollows?
Hollows often feature in folklore and legends as mysterious or supernatural places.
Can a hollow be man-made?
Yes, hollows can be man-made through mining activities or artificial excavation.
How do valleys affect climate?
Valleys can influence local climate by channeling winds and affecting weather patterns.
What is the difference in biodiversity between hollows and valleys?
Valleys typically support greater biodiversity due to their larger size and varied habitats compared to the more limited conditions in hollows.
Is a hollow the same as a cave?
No, a hollow is an open depression on the land's surface, whereas a cave is an enclosed underground space.
Can a valley exist without water?
Yes, while many valleys have rivers, dry valleys can exist, particularly in arid regions or as a result of past glacial activity.
How do rivers shape valleys?
Rivers erode the soil and rock along their paths, carving out the valley floor and shaping the surrounding landscape.
Are hollows used for any specific human activities?
Hollows are often used for hunting, gathering, or as secluded retreats due to their natural enclosure.
What geological processes contribute to the formation of a hollow?
Erosion, sinkhole formation, and the collapse of subterranean voids are common processes.
Can valleys be found in urban areas?
Yes, valleys can be found in urban areas and are often utilized for parks, greenways, or natural water drainage systems.
What is a river valley?
A river valley is a valley formed by river erosion and is typically characterized by fertile soil and a river running through it.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
