Hollow vs. Void — What's the Difference?

Hollow describes an object or space that has a cavity or is empty inside, like a hollow tree or a hollow tube. It emphasizes the structure around the empty space, suggesting that the space is defined by what surrounds it. On the other hand, void is used more abstractly to denote an area of complete emptiness or the absence of matter, content, or meaningfulness, such as the void of space or a void in one's life.

While a hollow can be a physical, tangible space that is simply unoccupied or unfilled, a void often carries a broader, sometimes metaphorical or existential implication, suggesting an emptiness that might be physical, emotional, or conceptual. For example, a hollow in a tree is a specific empty space, whereas a void can refer to a vast, undefined emptiness or a profound sense of loss.

The concept of something being hollow often allows for the potential to be filled, implying a presence of boundaries or limits. In contrast, a void may seem boundless or infinite, suggesting a more profound or pervasive absence that is harder to define or contain. For example, a hollow might be filled with material to cease being hollow, but a void represents an absence that is not as easily addressed or remedied.

Hollow objects or spaces are typically encountered in everyday physical environments and can have practical purposes or functions, such as hollow pipes for carrying water. Voids, however, are more often associated with larger, sometimes existential concepts, such as the void of outer space, highlighting a more profound or abstract sense of emptiness.

In terms of emotional or psychological contexts, a hollow feeling might refer to a specific, identifiable lack or emptiness within oneself, often suggesting something that could be remedied or filled. A void, however, suggests a deeper, more existential form of emptiness, often implying a more challenging or complex issue to resolve, such as a void left by a lost loved one.