Hollow vs. Valley: What's the Difference?
By Aimie Carlson & Janet White || Updated on May 22, 2024
Hollow is a depression or low area in the ground, often smaller and more enclosed than a valley, which is an elongated low area between hills or mountains.
Key Differences
Hollow refers to a small depression or low-lying area in the ground, often surrounded by higher land. These areas are typically bowl-shaped and can be found in various landscapes. Valleys, in contrast, are large, elongated depressions between hills or mountains, often formed by river erosion over time.
Hollows are generally more enclosed and smaller compared to valleys. They can be created by various natural processes such as the collapse of a cave roof or the settling of land. Valleys, on the other hand, usually have a defined length and width, stretching over a significant distance and typically featuring a river or stream running through them.
In terms of geography, hollows can be found in both mountainous and flat regions and may contain small ponds or marshes. Valleys are predominantly found in mountainous regions and are often vital for river systems, contributing to the surrounding ecosystem by supporting diverse plant and animal life.
Hollows often offer more secluded environments due to their enclosed nature, whereas valleys tend to be more open and accessible, providing routes for human settlement, agriculture, and transportation. This openness in valleys also allows for the development of fertile lands, benefiting agricultural activities.
In literature and everyday language, "hollow" can also metaphorically describe something empty or void, while "valley" can symbolize tranquility and fertility. These symbolic uses reflect the physical characteristics of each feature, with hollows representing emptiness and valleys representing life and growth.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Small depression or low area in the ground
Elongated low area between hills or mountains
Size
Generally smaller and more enclosed
Larger and more open
Formation
Formed by cave collapse, land settling
Formed by river erosion
Location
Found in both flat and mountainous regions
Predominantly in mountainous regions
Symbolism
Emptiness, void
Tranquility, fertility
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Hollow and Valley Definitions
Hollow
A small depression in the ground.
The kids played in the hollow behind the house.
Valley
A geographic depression with a stream or river.
The valley provided a natural route for travelers.
Hollow
An area that is lower than its surroundings.
The deer rested in the hollow near the forest edge.
Valley
A long, narrow region between elevated areas.
The valley was dotted with quaint villages.
Hollow
Empty or void inside.
The sound echoed through the hollow structure.
Valley
A low-lying land area.
Mist settled in the valley at dawn.
Hollow
A secluded or sheltered valley.
They hiked to the hidden hollow for a picnic.
Valley
An elongated low area between hills or mountains.
The river flowed through the lush valley.
Hollow
Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.
Valley
A fertile area often formed by a river.
Farmers cultivated crops in the valley.
Hollow
Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Valley
An elongated lowland between ranges of mountains, hills, or other uplands, often having a river or stream running along the bottom.
Hollow
Without substance or character
A hollow person.
Valley
An extensive area of land drained or irrigated by a river system.
Hollow
Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).
Valley
A depression or hollow resembling or suggesting a valley, as the point at which the two slopes of a roof meet.
Hollow
Having a reverberating, sepulchral sound
Hollow footsteps.
Valley
An elongated depression cast between hills or mountains, often garnished with a river flowing through it.
Hollow
A cavity, gap, or space
A hollow behind a wall.
Valley
An area which drains itself into a river.
Hollow
An indented or concave surface or area.
Valley
Any structure resembling one, e.g. the interior angle formed by the intersection of two sloping roof planes.
Hollow
A void; an emptiness
A hollow in one's life.
Valley
To form the shape of a valley.
Hollow
A small valley between hills or mountains.
Valley
The space inclosed between ranges of hills or mountains; the strip of land at the bottom of the depressions intersecting a country, including usually the bed of a stream, with frequently broad alluvial plains on one or both sides of the stream. Also used figuratively.
The valley of the shadow of death.
Sweet interchangeOf hill and valley, rivers, woods, and plains.
Hollow
To make hollow
Hollow out a pumpkin.
Valley
The place of meeting of two slopes of a roof, which have their plates running in different directions, and form on the plan a reëntrant angle.
Hollow
To scoop or form by making concave
Hollow out a nest in the sand.
Valley
A long depression in the surface of the land that usually contains a river
Hollow
To become hollow or empty.
Hollow
A small valley between mountains.
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Rockies.
Hollow
A sunken area or unfilled space in something solid; a cavity, natural or artificial.
The hollow of the hand or of a tree
Hollow
(figuratively) A feeling of emptiness.
A hollow in the pit of one’s stomach
Hollow
(US) A sunken area.
Hollow
(transitive) to make a hole in something; to excavate
Hollow
To call or urge by shouting; to hollo.
Hollow
(of something solid) Having an empty space or cavity inside.
A hollow tree; a hollow sphere
Hollow
(of a sound) Distant, eerie; echoing, reverberating, as if in a hollow space; dull, muffled; often low-pitched.
He let out a hollow moan.
Hollow
(figuratively) Without substance; having no real or significant worth; meaningless.
A hollow victory
Hollow
(figuratively) Insincere, devoid of validity; specious.
A hollow promise
Hollow
Concave; gaunt; sunken.
Hollow
(gymnastics) Pertaining to hollow body position
Hollow
(colloquial) Completely, as part of the phrase beat hollow or beat all hollow.
Hollow
Alternative form of hollo
Hollow
Having an empty space or cavity, natural or artificial, within a solid substance; not solid; excavated in the interior; as, a hollow tree; a hollow sphere.
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it.
Hollow
Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.
With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.
Hollow
Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.
Hollow
Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.
Hollow
A cavity, natural or artificial; an unfilled space within anything; a hole, a cavern; an excavation; as the hollow of the hand or of a tree.
Hollow
A low spot surrounded by elevations; a depressed part of a surface; a concavity; a channel.
Forests grewUpon the barren hollows.
I hate the dreadful hollow behind the little wood.
Hollow
To make hollow, as by digging, cutting, or engraving; to excavate.
Hollow
To shout; to hollo.
Whisperings and hollowings are alike to a deaf ear.
Hollow
To urge or call by shouting.
He has hollowed the hounds.
Hollow
Hollo.
Hollow
A cavity or space in something;
Hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks
Hollow
A small valley between mountains;
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians
Hollow
A depression hollowed out of solid matter
Hollow
Remove the inner part or the core of;
The mining company wants to excavate the hillsite
Hollow
Remove the interior of;
Hollow out a tree trunk
Hollow
Not solid; having a space or gap or cavity;
A hollow wall
A hollow tree
Hollow cheeks
His face became gaunter and more hollow with each year
Hollow
Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses
Hollow
As if echoing in a hollow space;
The hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom
Hollow
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
Hollow
A cavity or space within something.
The tree had a hollow that housed a family of owls.
FAQs
How is a hollow formed?
Hollows can form from the collapse of a cave roof or the settling of land.
How is a valley formed?
Valleys are typically formed by river erosion over time.
What is typically found in a valley?
Rivers, streams, fertile lands, and often human settlements.
Is a hollow more enclosed than a valley?
Yes, hollows are typically more enclosed.
What is a hollow?
A hollow is a small depression or low area in the ground.
What is a valley?
A valley is an elongated low area between hills or mountains.
What might you find in a hollow?
Small ponds, marshes, or secluded areas.
Are hollows always small?
Yes, hollows are generally smaller and more enclosed than valleys.
Can valleys be found in flat areas?
Valleys are predominantly found in mountainous regions, but some can be in flatter areas.
Do valleys have symbolic meanings?
Yes, valleys can symbolize tranquility and fertility.
Why are valleys important for ecosystems?
Valleys often support diverse plant and animal life due to their fertile lands and water sources.
How are hollows and valleys similar?
Both are depressions in the land.
Are valleys crucial for human activities?
Yes, they often provide routes for transportation and areas for agriculture.
Do hollows symbolize anything in literature?
Yes, hollows can symbolize emptiness or void.
What is the key difference between a hollow and a valley?
The key difference is size and openness, with hollows being smaller and more enclosed.
Can a hollow be used metaphorically?
Yes, it can describe something empty or void.
Can hollows be found in mountainous regions?
Yes, hollows can be found in both flat and mountainous regions.
What activities are valleys suitable for?
Valleys are suitable for agriculture, transportation, and settlements.
Can hollows contain water?
Yes, hollows can contain small ponds or marshes.
Do hollows contribute to the landscape?
Yes, they add to the diversity and complexity of the terrain.
About Author
Written 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.
Co-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.
