blank

¹blank

adj \ˈblaŋk\

Definition of BLANK

1

archaic : colorless

2

a : appearing or causing to appear dazed, confounded, or nonplussed <stared in blank dismay> b : expressionless <a blank stare>

3

a : devoid of covering or content; especially : free from writing or marks <blank paper> b : having spaces to be filled in c : lacking interest, variety, or change <blank hours>

4

: absolute, unqualified <a blank refusal>

5

: unfinished; especially : having a plain or unbroken surface where an opening is usual <a blank key> <a blank arch>

— blank·ly adverb

— blank·ness noun

Examples of BLANK

1. a blank sheet of paper
2. a book with blank pages

Origin of BLANK

Middle English, from Anglo-French blanc colorless, white, of Germanic origin; akin to Old High German blanch white; probably akin to Latin flagrare to burn — more at black

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to BLANK

Synonyms: catatonic, deadpan, empty, expressionless, impassive, inexpressive, numb, stolid, vacant

Antonyms: demonstrative, expressive

Related Words: dull, vacuous, vague, vapid; enigmatic (also enigmatical), impenetrable, inscrutable, mysterious; motionless, static, still, wooden; reserved, restrained, reticent, taciturn; aloof, apathetic, cold, cool, detached, indifferent, phlegmatic, unresponsive

Near Antonyms: engaged, interested, responsive; active, alive, animated, bright, busy, dynamic, effervescent, energetic, expansive, exuberant, lively, vivacious; eloquent, revealing, revelatory; gestic, gesticulant, gesticulative, gesticulatory, gestural; emotional, melodramatic, theatrical (also theatric), unreserved, unrestrained

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Rhymes with BLANK

bank, clank, crank, dank, flank, franc, frank, hank, lank, plank, prank, rank, shank, spank, stank, swank, tank, thank, yank, Yank