Empty vs. Full: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 28, 2023
Empty refers to containing nothing, while full implies being completely filled or occupied.
Key Differences
Empty and full are antonyms describing the state or condition of a container or space in terms of its occupancy. Empty denotes the absence of content; it means that a container or a space holds nothing within its bounds. Full, on the other hand, is the complete opposite, referring to a state where every part of a container or space is occupied by something, leaving no room for more. It indicates the presence of content, with no available space left unoccupied.
These terms, empty and full, are utilized across various contexts to convey different states of occupancy. A container is described as empty when it has no contents, like an empty glass or an empty box. Full, in contrast, is used when a container is filled to its utmost capacity, such as a full bottle of water or a full basket of fruits. These words are versatile and can be applied to a wide range of objects, places, and scenarios to indicate the level of content or occupancy.
In a broader and metaphorical sense, empty and full can also be used to express emotions or states of being. One might feel empty, meaning devoid of emotion or purpose, whereas feeling full could imply a sense of fulfillment or satisfaction. In this context, empty conveys a lack or absence, not just of tangible objects, but also of intangible elements like feelings, ideas, or qualities. Conversely, full conveys abundance or excess, representing a state of completeness or wholeness, whether tangible or intangible.
In mathematical and logical contexts, empty and full can signify different states or values. An empty set in mathematics, for example, is a set containing no elements. In contrast, the term full, when used in mathematical logic or in set theory, may imply a set that contains all the possible elements defined within certain constraints. Thus, the usage of these terms is not limited to physical spaces or containers but extends to abstract and conceptual domains, representing absence or presence, lack or completeness, respectively.
To sum it up, the words empty and full represent opposite states or conditions relating to the presence or absence of content, substances, emotions, or elements. Empty signifies nothingness, a lack, or a void, whether in a physical, emotional, or conceptual sense. Full represents the contrary, indicating completeness, abundance, or occupancy, applied to various contexts ranging from physical containers to emotions and abstract concepts.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Contains nothing.
Completely filled or occupied.
Contexts
Physical, emotional, mathematical.
Physical, emotional, mathematical.
Oppositeness
Represents absence or lack of content.
Represents presence or abundance of content.
Metaphorical Usage
Can imply lack of emotion or purpose.
Can imply fulfillment or satisfaction.
Application
Used for containers, spaces, emotions, and abstract concepts.
Used for containers, spaces, emotions, and abstract concepts.
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Empty and Full Definitions
Empty
Containing nothing; having no substance or content.
The box was empty.
Full
Complete in every detail.
She lived a full life.
Empty
Lacking meaning, purpose, or sincerity.
His apology seemed empty and insincere.
Full
Not lacking in any essential quality.
The play was full of emotion.
Empty
Lacking force, vigor, or effectiveness.
The team gave an empty performance.
Full
Fulfilled, satisfied.
After the meal, we were all full.
Empty
Having nothing inside or on the surface; holding or containing nothing
An empty bag.
An empty lot.
Full
Containing all that is normal or possible
A full pail.
Empty
(Mathematics) Having no elements or members; null
An empty set.
Full
Complete in every particular
A full account.
Empty
Having no occupants; not being used
An empty chair.
Full
Amounting to three balls and two strikes. Used of a count.
Empty
Not having an incumbent or occupant; unfilled
An empty post at the embassy.
Full
Having a base runner at first, second, and third base
The bases were full when the slugger stepped up to bat.
Empty
Not put to purposeful use; idle
Empty hours.
Full
Of maximum or highest degree
At full speed.
Empty
Lacking force or power
An empty threat.
Full
Being at the peak of development or maturity
In full bloom.
Empty
Lacking purpose or substance; meaningless
An empty life.
Full
Of or relating to a full moon.
Empty
Needing nourishment; hungry
"More fierce and more inexorable far / Than empty tigers or the roaring sea" (Shakespeare).
Full
Having a great deal or many
A book full of errors.
Empty
Devoid; destitute
Empty of pity.
Full
Totally qualified, accepted, or empowered
A full member of the club.
Empty
To remove the contents of
Emptied the dishwasher.
Full
Rounded in shape; plump
A full figure.
Empty
To transfer or pour off completely
Empty the ashes into a pail.
Full
Having or made with a generous amount of fabric
Full draperies.
Empty
To unburden; relieve
Empty oneself of doubt.
Full
Having an appetite completely satisfied, especially for food or drink
Was full after the Thanksgiving dinner.
Empty
To become empty
The theater emptied after the performance.
Full
Providing an abundance, especially of food.
Empty
To discharge its contents
The river empties into a bay.
Full
Having depth and body; rich
A full aroma.
Full tones.
Empty
An empty container.
Full
Completely absorbed or preoccupied
“He was already pretty full of himself” (Ron Rosenbaum).
Empty
Devoid of content; containing nothing or nobody; vacant.
An empty purse
An empty jug
An empty stomach
Full
Possessing both parents in common
Full brothers.
Full sisters.
Empty
Containing no elements (as of a string, array, or set), opposed to being null (having no valid value).
Full
Of or relating to a full-size bed
Full sheets.
A full bed skirt.
Empty
(obsolete) Free; clear; devoid; often with of.
Full
Exactly; directly
Full in the path of the moon.
Empty
Having nothing to carry, emptyhanded; unburdened.
Full
To a complete extent; entirely. Sometimes used in combination
Knew full well.
Full blown.
Full-fledged.
Empty
Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; said of language.
Empty words, or threats
Empty offer
Empty promises
Full
To make (a garment) full, as by pleating or gathering.
Empty
Unable to satisfy; hollow; vain.
Empty pleasures
Full
To become full. Used of the moon.
Empty
Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial.
Empty dreams
Full
To increase the density and usually the thickness of (cloth) by shrinking and beating or pressing.
Empty
Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy.
Empty brains
An empty coxcomb
Full
The maximum or complete size or amount
Repaid in full.
Empty
(of some female animals, especially cows and sheep) Not pregnant; not producing offspring when expected to do so during the breeding season.
Empty cow rates have increased in recent years.
Full
The highest degree or state
Living life to the full.
Empty
Producing nothing; unfruitful.
An empty vine
Full
A full-size bed.
Empty
To make empty; to void; to remove the contents of.
To empty a well or a cistern
The cinema emptied quickly after the end of the film.
Full
Containing the maximum possible amount that can fit in the space available.
The jugs were full to the point of overflowing.
Empty
(intransitive) Of a river, duct, etc: to drain or flow toward an ultimate destination.
Salmon River empties on the W shore about 2 miles below Bear River.
Full
Complete; with nothing omitted.
Our book gives full treatment to the subject of angling.
Empty
A container, especially a bottle, whose contents have been used up, leaving it empty.
Put the empties out to be recycled.
Full
Total, entire.
She had tattoos the full length of her arms.
He was prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Empty
Containing nothing; not holding or having anything within; void of contents or appropriate contents; not filled; - said of an inclosure, or a container, as a box, room, house, etc.; as, an empty chest, room, purse, or pitcher; an empty stomach; empty shackles.
Full
Completely empowered, authorized or qualified (in some role); not limited.
Full member
Full officer
Empty
Free; clear; devoid; - often with of.
I shall find you empty of that fault.
Full
(informal) Having eaten to satisfaction, having a "full" stomach; replete.
"I'm full," he said, pushing back from the table.
Empty
Having nothing to carry; unburdened.
When ye go ye shall not go empty.
Full
Replete, abounding with.
This movie doesn't make sense; it's full of plot holes.
I prefer my pizzas full of toppings.
Empty
Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; - said of language; as, empty words, or threats.
Words are but empty thanks.
Full
(of physical features) Plump, round.
Full lips; a full face; a full figure
Empty
Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; - said of pleasure, the world, etc.
Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise.
Full
(of the moon) Having its entire face illuminated.
Empty
Producing nothing; unfruitful; - said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine.
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind.
Full
(of garments) Of a size that is ample, wide, or having ample folds or pleats to be comfortable.
A full pleated skirt;
She needed her full clothing during her pregnancy.
Empty
Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
That in civility thou seem'st so empty.
Full
Having depth and body; rich.
A full singing voice
Empty
Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.
Full
(obsolete) Having the mind filled with ideas; stocked with knowledge; stored with information.
Empty
An empty box, crate, cask, etc.; - used in commerce, esp. in transportation of freight; as, "special rates for empties."
Full
Having the attention, thoughts, etc., absorbed in any matter, and the feelings more or less excited by it.
She's full of her latest project.
Empty
To deprive of the contents; to exhaust; to make void or destitute; to make vacant; to pour out; to discharge; as, to empty a vessel; to empty a well or a cistern.
The clouds . . . empty themselves upon the earth.
Full
Filled with emotions.
Empty
To discharge itself; as, a river empties into the ocean.
Full
(obsolete) Impregnated; made pregnant.
Empty
To become empty.
Full
Said of the three cards of the same rank in a full house.
Empty
A container that has been emptied;
Return all empties to the store
Full
Drunk, intoxicated.
Empty
Make void or empty of contents;
Empty the box
The alarm emptied the building
Full
(archaic) Fully; quite; very; thoroughly; completely; exactly; entirely.
Empty
Become empty or void of its content;
The room emptied
Full
Utmost measure or extent; highest state or degree; the state, position, or moment of fullness; fill.
I was fed to the full.
Empty
Leave behind empty; move out of;
You must vacate your office by tonight
Full
(of the moon) The phase of the moon when its entire face is illuminated, full moon.
Empty
Remove;
Empty the water
Full
(freestyle skiing) An aerialist maneuver consisting of a backflip in conjunction and simultaneous with a complete twist.
Empty
Excrete or discharge from the body
Full
(of the moon) To become full or wholly illuminated.
Empty
Holding or containing nothing;
An empty glass
An empty room
Full of empty seats
Empty hours
Full
(transitive) To baptise.
Empty
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
Full
To make cloth denser and firmer by soaking, beating and pressing; to waulk or walk.
Empty
Having nothing inside;
An empty sphere
Full
Filled up, having within its limits all that it can contain; supplied; not empty or vacant; - said primarily of hollow vessels, and hence of anything else; as, a cup full of water; a house full of people.
Had the throne been full, their meeting would not have been regular.
Empty
Needing nourishment;
After skipped lunch the men were empty by suppertime
Empty-bellied children
Full
Abundantly furnished or provided; sufficient in quantity, quality, or degree; copious; plenteous; ample; adequate; as, a full meal; a full supply; a full voice; a full compensation; a house full of furniture.
Empty
Emptied of emotion;
After the violent argument he felt empty
Full
Not wanting in any essential quality; complete; entire; perfect; adequate; as, a full narrative; a person of full age; a full stop; a full face; the full moon.
It came to pass, at the end of two full years, that Pharaohdreamed.
The man commandsLike a full soldier.
I can notRequest a fuller satisfactionThan you have freely granted.
Empty
Devoid of inhabitants or occupants.
The house felt empty without her.
Full
Sated; surfeited.
I am full of the burnt offerings of rams.
Empty
Having no value; worthless.
It was an empty gesture.
Full
Having the mind filled with ideas; stocked with knowledge; stored with information.
Reading maketh a full man.
Full
Having the attention, thoughts, etc., absorbed in any matter, and the feelings more or less excited by it, as, to be full of some project.
Every one is full of the miracles done by cold baths on decayed and weak constitutions.
Full
Filled with emotions.
The heart is so full that a drop overfills it.
Full
Impregnated; made pregnant.
Ilia, the fair, . . . full of Mars.
Full
Complete measure; utmost extent; the highest state or degree.
The swan's-down feather,That stands upon the swell at full of tide.
Full
Quite; to the same degree; without abatement or diminution; with the whole force or effect; thoroughly; completely; exactly; entirely.
The pawn I proffer shall be full as good.
The diapason closing full in man.
Full in the center of the sacred wood.
Full
To become full or wholly illuminated; as, the moon fulls at midnight.
Full
To thicken by moistening, heating, and pressing, as cloth; to mill; to make compact; to scour, cleanse, and thicken in a mill.
Full
To become fulled or thickened; as, this material fulls well.
Full
Beat for the purpose of cleaning and thickening;
Full the cloth
Full
Make (a garment) fuller by pleating or gathering
Full
Increase in phase;
The moon is waxing
Full
Containing as much or as many as is possible or normal;
A full glass
A sky full of stars
A full life
The auditorium was full to overflowing
Full
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
Full
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
Full
Filled to satisfaction with food or drink;
A full stomach
Full
(of sound) having marked depth and body;
Full tones
A full voice
Full
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
Full
Being at a peak or culminating point;
Broad day
Full summer
High noon
Full
Not separated into parts or shares; constituting an undivided unit;
An undivided interest in the property
A full share
Full
Having ample fabric;
The current taste for wide trousers
A full skirt
Full
To the greatest degree or extent; completely or entirely; (`full' in this sense is used as a combining form);
Fully grown
He didn't fully understand
Knew full well
Full-grown
Full-fledged
Full
Containing as much or as many as possible or normal.
The jar was full of cookies.
Full
Having an abundance of some characteristic quality.
His voice was full of anger.
FAQs
Can empty and full be used metaphorically?
Yes, both terms can be used metaphorically to represent lack or abundance of intangible elements like emotions.
Is full used to describe a container that is completely occupied?
Yes, full describes a state where a container is completely occupied, with no space left.
Are empty and full antonyms?
Yes, empty and full are antonyms, representing opposite states.
Can empty refer to something devoid of sincerity or meaning?
Yes, empty can denote something that lacks sincerity, meaning, or value.
Can full represent fulfillment or satisfaction?
Yes, full can represent a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, or completeness.
Is an empty container one that contains nothing?
Yes, an empty container is one that contains nothing within it.
Are empty and full used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, both terms have applications in mathematical contexts to represent different states or values.
Can empty imply a lack of purpose or effectiveness?
Yes, empty can imply a lack of purpose, effectiveness, or vigor.
Does empty imply the absence of content?
Yes, empty implies the absence of content or substance.
Is empty associated with a sense of lack or void?
Yes, empty is associated with a sense of lack, void, or nothingness.
Does full imply completeness or abundance?
Yes, full implies a state of completeness, abundance, or excess.
Can empty and full apply to emotions and feelings?
Yes, both terms can apply to emotions and feelings, representing a range from lack to abundance.
Can full imply a condition where no more can be added?
Yes, full implies a condition of being so completely filled or occupied that no more can be added.
Does full suggest being not lacking in any essential quality?
Yes, full suggests being complete and not lacking in any essential quality.
Can the terms be used in various contexts?
Yes, empty and full are versatile terms, used in various contexts ranging from physical spaces to emotions and abstract concepts.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
Edited by
Aimie CarlsonAimie Carlson, holding a master's degree in English literature, is a fervent English language enthusiast. She lends her writing talents to Difference Wiki, a prominent website that specializes in comparisons, offering readers insightful analyses that both captivate and inform.
