blank
blank
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling
/blæŋk/
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/l/ - voiced alveolar lateral approximant
/æ/ - near-open front unrounded vowel
/ŋ/ - voiced velar nasal
/k/ - voiceless velar stop
Word Form Variations
Noun:
Singular: blank
Plural: blanks
Verb:
Base form: blank
Third-person singular present: blanks
Present participle: blanking
Past tense: blanked
Past participle: blanked
Adjective:
blank (does not typically have comparative or superlative forms in the same way as other adjectives, but can be modified by adverbs like "more" or "most" in certain contexts, e.g., "more blank pages")
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A space intentionally left empty, typically on a document or form, where information is to be filled in.
Synonyms: space, gap, void, omission
Antonyms: entry, content, data
A non-firing cartridge used in firearms that produces a flash and sound but no projectile.
Synonyms: dummy, round (colloquial, in this context), charge
Antonyms: live round, bullet
An empty or unmarked sheet, page, or surface.
Synonyms: void, nothingness, emptiness, white space
Antonyms: filled, marked, inscribed
Verb
To obscure or cover up something, rendering it invisible or unreadable.
Synonyms: obscure, cover, delete, erase, blot out
Antonyms: reveal, uncover, expose, highlight
To fail to score or achieve anything in a game or competition, especially in sports.
Synonyms: shut out, zero, fail (colloquial)
Antonyms: score, win, succeed
To become empty or to make something empty, especially of information or memory.
Synonyms: clear, empty, wipe, forget (as in "mind went blank")
Antonyms: fill, remember, recall
Adjective
Having no writing, marks, or content; empty or unused.
Synonyms: empty, vacant, bare, clear, unmarked, unwritten
Antonyms: full, filled, marked, written, complete
Lacking expression, understanding, or thought; vacant, especially regarding a person's face or eyes.
Synonyms: expressionless, vacant, empty, deadpan, emotionless
Antonyms: expressive, animated, thoughtful, lively
Containing no data or information; not yet filled in.
Synonyms: empty, unfilled, incomplete, void
Antonyms: filled, complete, populated, informed
Examples of Use
Books:
"His mind went blank as the professor asked the unexpected question, all the prepared answers vanishing in an instant." (Example from a fictional narrative, common idiomatic use for forgetting)
"The detective found the page in the diary utterly blank, a frustrating dead end in his investigation." (Example from a mystery novel, adjective meaning empty)
"She stared at the blank canvas, waiting for inspiration to strike before making the first brushstroke." (Example from an art-themed non-fiction book, noun meaning an empty surface)
Newspapers:
"The new legislation leaves a significant blank where the funding mechanism should be, raising concerns among economists." (From an op-ed piece, e.g., The New York Times, noun meaning a gap or omission)
"Local team to blank rivals in decisive championship match." (From a sports section headline, e.g., The Daily Nation, verb meaning to score zero against)
"Investigators found a crucial part of the security footage had gone blank during the critical hours." (From an investigative report, e.g., The Standard, adjective meaning empty or non-functional)
Online Publications:
"Many users are reporting their screens suddenly going blank after the latest software update." (From a tech blog post, e.g., Engadget, adjective meaning empty or dark)
"Fill in the blank: The best way to learn a new language is by ____." (From an online quiz or educational content, e.g., Duolingo Blog, noun meaning a space to be filled)
"Don't let a blank resume be your undoing. Here's how to make it stand out." (From a career advice article, e.g., LinkedIn Learning, adjective meaning empty or incomplete)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film (Dialogue): "You're drawing a blank, aren't you? Think harder!" (Heard in a suspense or detective film, meaning failing to recall information)
Television (Game Show): "Contestant, your answer is... blank! No points this round." (Heard on a game show like Family Feud or Jeopardy!, signifying an incorrect or missing answer, often implied as "a blank space")
Music (Lyrics): "A blank page before me, a story yet untold." (From a popular song lyric, symbolizing new beginnings or untapped potential)
Video Games (Interface): Often, error messages result in a "black screen" or the display going blank, indicating a system crash or inability to load content. (Visual display becoming empty, adjective usage)
Social Media: A user might tweet, "My brain went blank during the presentation today 🤦♀️," expressing temporary forgetfulness. (Informal discourse, verb/idiomatic usage) Or a meme might show someone with a "blank stare" to convey confusion or lack of understanding. (Adjective/expressionless usage)
General Public Discourse:
"I tried to remember her name, but my mind just went blank." (Everyday conversation, common idiom for forgetting)
"Could you leave a blank space for my signature at the bottom?" (A common request in a casual or professional setting, noun meaning an empty space)
"The house was completely blank inside – no furniture, no decorations, just empty rooms." (Describing an unfurnished or stripped property, adjective meaning empty)
"When he heard the news, his face went completely blank." (Describing a lack of emotional expression, adjective meaning expressionless)
"They fired a blank to signal the start of the race." (Referring to a non-projectile cartridge used for signaling or training)
10 Famous Quotes Using Blank
"The mind is not a vessel to be filled, but a fire to be kindled." (Often attributed to Plutarch, though the exact wording varies; the implication is against a "blank slate" view of the mind)
"Every new day is a blank page in the diary of your life. The secret of success is in turning that diary into the best story you possibly can." (Douglas Pagels)
"I was drawing a blank for a while, and then I thought, what if it's the other way around?" (Often quoted in discussions of creative breakthroughs, though specific attribution can be elusive)
"Life is like a blank canvas, and you are the artist. Dip into the colors of life and paint your own masterpiece." (Author unknown, popular motivational quote)
"On a blank wall, a fly can be an elephant." (Chinese proverb, highlighting perception and perspective)
"Before you, all was blank and dreary; since you, all is life and beauty." (Attributed to Percy Bysshe Shelley, expressing a transformative effect)
"To begin, begin. That is the first step to turning a blank page into a story." (Loosely adapted from various writing advice, emphasizing action over inaction when faced with an empty page)
"My mind goes blank when I'm asked to name my favorite anything." (Common sentiment expressed by many, reflecting the difficulty of instant recall under pressure)
"A writer's greatest challenge is the blank page." (Common saying among authors and creative writing circles)
"The future is a blank slate, waiting for us to write upon it." (Common motivational phrase, with various similar phrasings by different authors)
Etymology
The word "blank" has a fascinating journey through language!
At its very core, "blank" comes from an ancient root that meant something like "to shine" or "to gleam." Think of something so bright it almost looks white.
This ancient root, called Proto-Germanic blangkaz, gave rise to similar words in various Germanic languages. For example, Old English had blanca, which referred to a "white horse." Old High German had blanch, meaning "bright" or "white," and the modern German word blank still means "shining" or "bright."
The English word "blank" itself is a borrowing from Old French, where "blanc" (and its feminine form "blanche") meant "white" or "shining." The French word, in turn, also came from these Germanic roots.
The first known use of "blank" in English (as an adjective) dates back to around 1325. At that time, its main meaning was "white," "pale," or "colorless." So, you might have heard of a "blank shield" meaning a white shield, or a "blank face" meaning a pale face.
From this idea of "white" or "colorless," the meaning then naturally extended to things that were empty or unmarked. By around 1400, "blank" started being used to describe something "having empty spaces," like a piece of paper with nothing written on it.
Over time, it continued to evolve, giving us meanings like a "blank look" (empty of expression) in the 1550s, and later, the various noun and verb forms we use today, like a "blank" in a document or to "blank out" information.
It's interesting to note that while "blank" (meaning white/empty) and "black" (meaning dark) are opposites in English, they actually share a very distant common ancestor from that same ancient root meaning "to shine" or "to burn." The idea is that something could be bright white from shining, or dark/black from being burned.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Blank
Blank slate: A state of having no preconceptions or previous experiences; a fresh start.
Drawing a blank: Being unable to recall information or remember something.
To blank out: To temporarily forget something or to lose consciousness.
A blank look/stare: An expressionless or vacant look.
Go blank: For a mind to become empty of thoughts, or for a screen/light to go dark.
Fill in the blanks: To complete missing information in a text or situation.
Blank check: Permission or authority to do whatever one thinks is necessary, without restriction.
Blank canvas: A situation or opportunity with no pre-existing limitations, offering unlimited possibilities. (Synonym effect for "blank slate")
Write a blank: To fail to achieve anything, especially in a game or competition (similar to "shut out").
Give someone the blank: To ignore someone or refuse to acknowledge them (original phrase).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of blank from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
