blankly — in a way that shows no expression, understanding, or interest; with a vacant or empty look
Part of speech: ADVERB
Definition: in a way that shows no expression, understanding, or interest; with a vacant or empty look
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈblæŋkli/
Example Sentences
- When the teacher asked a hard question, all the students stared blankly, pretending to think deeply.
- The cat stared blankly at the wall for two hours, as if it could see a ghost we couldn't.
- He looked at me blankly, clearly having no idea what I was talking about.
blankly
ADVERB[/ˈblæŋkli/]
in a way that shows no expression, understanding, or interest; with a vacant or empty look
He stared blankly at the exam paper, mind completely empty.
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🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
The word originates from Old French 'blanc', meaning 'white'. The semantic evolution progressed from the literal sense of white or blank paper to the figurative meanings of 'empty' and 'expressionless', with the adverbial suffix '-ly' added to form the adverb 'blankly'.
Breakdown
blank (empty, void of expression) + -ly (adverbial suffix forming manner adverbs). The root 'blank' derives from Old French 'blanc' (white).
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“When the teacher asked a hard question, all the students stared blankly, pretending to think deeply.”
“The cat stared blankly at the wall for two hours, as if it could see a ghost we couldn't.”
“He looked at me blankly, clearly having no idea what I was talking about.”
“After hearing the shocking news, she just sat there blankly, unable to say anything.”
📚Related Words
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