Empty vs. Full: What's the Difference?
Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Contexts
Physical, emotional, mathematical.
Physical, emotional, mathematical.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Oppositeness
Represents absence or lack of content.
Represents presence or abundance of content.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Metaphorical Usage
Can imply lack of emotion or purpose.
Can imply fulfillment or satisfaction.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Application
Used for containers, spaces, emotions, and abstract concepts.
Used for containers, spaces, emotions, and abstract concepts.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
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Empty and Full Definitions
Empty
Lacking meaning, purpose, or sincerity.
His apology seemed empty and insincere.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Empty
Lacking force, vigor, or effectiveness.
The team gave an empty performance.
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Sep 28, 2023
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Empty
Having nothing inside or on the surface; holding or containing nothing
An empty bag.
An empty lot.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Not having an incumbent or occupant; unfilled
An empty post at the embassy.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Having a base runner at first, second, and third base
The bases were full when the slugger stepped up to bat.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Needing nourishment; hungry
"More fierce and more inexorable far / Than empty tigers or the roaring sea" (Shakespeare).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Having an appetite completely satisfied, especially for food or drink
Was full after the Thanksgiving dinner.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Completely absorbed or preoccupied
“He was already pretty full of himself” (Ron Rosenbaum).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Devoid of content; containing nothing or nobody; vacant.
An empty purse
An empty jug
An empty stomach
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Containing no elements (as of a string, array, or set), opposed to being null (having no valid value).
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
To a complete extent; entirely. Sometimes used in combination
Knew full well.
Full blown.
Full-fledged.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; said of language.
Empty words, or threats
Empty offer
Empty promises
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
To increase the density and usually the thickness of (cloth) by shrinking and beating or pressing.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy.
Empty brains
An empty coxcomb
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Containing the maximum possible amount that can fit in the space available.
The jugs were full to the point of overflowing.
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Jan 23, 2023
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.
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
Complete; with nothing omitted.
Our book gives full treatment to the subject of angling.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
A container, especially a bottle, whose contents have been used up, leaving it empty.
Put the empties out to be recycled.
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
Total, entire.
She had tattoos the full length of her arms.
He was prosecuted to the full extent of the law.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Completely empowered, authorized or qualified (in some role); not limited.
Full member
Full officer
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Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Free; clear; devoid; - often with of.
I shall find you empty of that fault.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
(informal) Having eaten to satisfaction, having a "full" stomach; replete.
"I'm full," he said, pushing back from the table.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Replete, abounding with.
This movie doesn't make sense; it's full of plot holes.
I prefer my pizzas full of toppings.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Destitute of effect, sincerity, or sense; - said of language; as, empty words, or threats.
Words are but empty thanks.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
(of physical features) Plump, round.
Full lips; a full face; a full figure
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Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Unable to satisfy; unsatisfactory; hollow; vain; - said of pleasure, the world, etc.
Pleas'd in the silent shade with empty praise.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Producing nothing; unfruitful; - said of a plant or tree; as, an empty vine.
Seven empty ears blasted with the east wind.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Destitute of, or lacking, sense, knowledge, or courtesy; as, empty brains; an empty coxcomb.
That in civility thou seem'st so empty.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Destitute of reality, or real existence; unsubstantial; as, empty dreams.
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
(obsolete) Having the mind filled with ideas; stocked with knowledge; stored with information.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
An empty box, crate, cask, etc.; - used in commerce, esp. in transportation of freight; as, "special rates for empties."
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Make void or empty of contents;
Empty the box
The alarm emptied the building
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
(archaic) Fully; quite; very; thoroughly; completely; exactly; entirely.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Utmost measure or extent; highest state or degree; the state, position, or moment of fullness; fill.
I was fed to the full.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
(of the moon) The phase of the moon when its entire face is illuminated, full moon.
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
(freestyle skiing) An aerialist maneuver consisting of a backflip in conjunction and simultaneous with a complete twist.
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Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Holding or containing nothing;
An empty glass
An empty room
Full of empty seats
Empty hours
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Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
To make cloth denser and firmer by soaking, beating and pressing; to waulk or walk.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Empty
Needing nourishment;
After skipped lunch the men were empty by suppertime
Empty-bellied children
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Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Having the mind filled with ideas; stocked with knowledge; stored with information.
Reading maketh a full man.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Complete measure; utmost extent; the highest state or degree.
The swan's-down feather,That stands upon the swell at full of tide.
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Jan 23, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
To thicken by moistening, heating, and pressing, as cloth; to mill; to make compact; to scour, cleanse, and thicken in a mill.
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Constituting the full quantity or extent; complete;
An entire town devastated by an earthquake
Gave full attention
A total failure
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Jan 23, 2023
Full
Complete in extent or degree and in every particular;
A full game
A total eclipse
A total disaster
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Having the normally expected amount;
Gives full measure
Gives good measure
A good mile from here
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Not separated into parts or shares; constituting an undivided unit;
An undivided interest in the property
A full share
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Jan 23, 2023
Full
Containing as much or as many as possible or normal.
The jar was full of cookies.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Full
Having an abundance of some characteristic quality.
His voice was full of anger.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Janet White
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Are empty and full antonyms?
Yes, empty and full are antonyms, representing opposite states.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can empty refer to something devoid of sincerity or meaning?
Yes, empty can denote something that lacks sincerity, meaning, or value.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can full represent fulfillment or satisfaction?
Yes, full can represent a sense of fulfillment, satisfaction, or completeness.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
Is an empty container one that contains nothing?
Yes, an empty container is one that contains nothing within it.
Harlon Moss
Sep 28, 2023
Are empty and full used in mathematical contexts?
Yes, both terms have applications in mathematical contexts to represent different states or values.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Can empty imply a lack of purpose or effectiveness?
Yes, empty can imply a lack of purpose, effectiveness, or vigor.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Does empty imply the absence of content?
Yes, empty implies the absence of content or substance.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
Is empty associated with a sense of lack or void?
Yes, empty is associated with a sense of lack, void, or nothingness.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Does full imply completeness or abundance?
Yes, full implies a state of completeness, abundance, or excess.
Aimie Carlson
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sara Rehman
Sep 28, 2023
Does full suggest being not lacking in any essential quality?
Yes, full suggests being complete and not lacking in any essential quality.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Sep 28, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Huma SaeedHuma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.
