Difference Wiki

Hollow vs. Hallow: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 10, 2023
"Hollow" refers to something empty or having a void inside, while "hallow" means to make holy or sacred.

Key Differences

"Hollow" describes an object that is empty or contains a space inside, such as a hollow tree. In contrast, "hallow" is a verb meaning to make something holy or greatly revered, as in hallowing a religious site.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
The term "hollow" can also imply a sense of emptiness or lack of substance, whether physically or in terms of content, like a hollow argument. "Hallow," however, is often associated with religious or spiritual reverence, indicating the act of honoring or sanctifying something.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
"Hollow" can be used as an adjective, noun, or verb, with applications in various contexts, like a hollow sound or feeling hollow. "Hallow" is primarily used as a verb and is less common in everyday language, mostly seen in religious or formal contexts.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
In literature and speech, "hollow" often symbolizes emptiness or futility, such as in expressions like 'a hollow victory.' "Hallow" carries a tone of respect and sacredness, used in contexts that elevate the status of a person, place, or event.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Comparison Chart

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun, Verb
Verb
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023
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Meaning

Empty, Void Inside
To Make Holy or Sacred
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Usage in Language

Common, in varied contexts
Less common, primarily religious
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

Connotation

Emptiness, Lack of Substance
Sacredness, Reverence
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Example Contexts

Nature, Physical Objects, Feelings
Religious Ceremonies, Sanctification
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Hollow and Hallow Definitions

Hollow

Without real value.
Her apology felt hollow.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023
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Hallow

To sanctify or bless.
The priest hallowed the water.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Hollow

Resonating as if in a void.
The room echoed with a hollow sound.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Hallow

To set apart for holy use.
The ritual cup was hallowed.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Hollow

Empty inside.
The log was hollow.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Hallow

To consecrate as holy.
The church was hallowed ground.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
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Hollow

To make a hole or cavity.
They hollowed out a space in the rock.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Hallow

To honor as sacred.
They hallow the memory of their ancestors.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

Hollow

Sunken or depressed.
He had hollow cheeks.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Hallow

To make venerable.
Tradition hallowed the ancient rituals.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Hollow

Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

To make or set apart as holy.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hollow

Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

To respect or honor greatly; revere.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hollow

Without substance or character
A hollow person.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

A holy person or saint.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hollow

Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

A sacred or magical object.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

A saint; a holy person; an apostle.
All Hallows Eve (or Halloween), the night before All Hallows Day (now more commonly known as "All Saints Day").
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

The relics or shrines of saints or non-Christian gods.
To seek hallows: to visit relics or shrines, in the belief that the saints themselves are present there.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

A shout, cry; a hulloo.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

(transitive) To make holy, to sanctify.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

To shout, especially to urge on dogs for hunting.
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

To make holy; to set apart for holy or religious use; to consecrate; to treat or keep as sacred; to reverence.
Hallow the Sabbath day, to do no work therein.
His secret altar touched with hallowed fire.
In a larger sense . . . we can not hallow this ground [Gettysburg].
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

Hallow

Render holy by means of religious rites
Sara Rehman
Apr 28, 2023

FAQs

Is 'hallow' commonly used today?

It's less common and mostly used in religious contexts.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

What are examples of 'hollow' in nature?

Hollow trees or caves.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

What is the meaning of 'hallow'?

To make something holy or sacred.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hollow' be used figuratively?

Yes, for something lacking depth or sincerity.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Are 'hollow' and 'hallow' related etymologically?

No, they have different origins.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

What does 'hollow' mean?

Refers to something empty or having an internal void.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Is 'hollow' a common word?

Yes, it's widely used in various contexts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hollow' be both a verb and a noun?

Yes, it can function as both.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Does 'hallow' have synonyms?

Yes, like sanctify, consecrate, bless.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hallow' be used for people?

Yes, in honoring or venerating someone.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hollow' describe feelings?

Yes, like feeling empty or unfulfilled.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hallow' be used in non-religious contexts?

Rarely, it's primarily religious.
Huma Saeed
Nov 10, 2023

What's an example of 'hallow' in a sentence?

"The ceremony will hallow the site."
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

What does a 'hollow' sound mean?

A sound with an echo, as if in an empty space.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Does 'hallow' appear in historical texts?

Frequently, especially in religious documents.
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

How is 'hallow' used in religion?

To sanctify places or objects.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 10, 2023

Are there idioms using 'hollow'?

Yes, like "a hollow victory."
Sara Rehman
Nov 10, 2023

Does 'hallow' imply respect?

Yes, it denotes reverence and respect.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023

Is 'hallow' used in modern writing?

Mostly in formal or religious writing.
Janet White
Nov 10, 2023

Can 'hollow' refer to physical characteristics?

Yes, like hollow cheeks or eyes.
Harlon Moss
Nov 10, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara Rehman
Sara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma 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.

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