Hollow vs. Solid: What's the Difference?
Edited by Aimie Carlson || By Janet White || Updated on September 26, 2023
"Hollow" refers to something that is empty inside, while "Solid" describes something compact and filled throughout.
Key Differences
"Hollow" and "Solid" are terms used to describe the physical properties of objects. "Hollow" denotes that an object has a cavity or space inside, implying that it is not filled or compact. This term is often associated with structures or objects that have an exterior shell or surface with a noticeable absence of matter within, making them lighter and often more fragile. It's important to note that a hollow object can still have some substance or material, but there is a significant internal space or void.
"Solid," on the contrary, implies that an object is completely filled with matter, with no internal spaces or cavities. Solid objects are characterized by their density and compactness, usually making them heavier and more robust compared to hollow ones. The term "solid" reflects uniformity in composition and structure, symbolizing strength and stability. It's often related to objects that are hard, firm, and withstand pressure due to the absence of internal voids.
"Hollow" objects are frequently used where lightweight structures are beneficial, and their internal space can be utilized for various purposes, such as storage or transportation of other items. The inherent characteristics of hollow structures, such as tubes or pipes, make them suitable for numerous applications where the flow of substances is required, demonstrating the versatility and utility of hollow forms in design and function.
"Solid" objects are valued for their durability and stability, making them preferable in situations that demand strength and resistance to deformation. The dependability of solid structures is essential in various fields, such as construction and manufacturing, where the integrity and reliability of materials are crucial. The solidity of an object ensures its longevity and ability to maintain its form under stress, representing reliability and endurance.
Both "Hollow" and "Solid" have their unique applications, benefits, and limitations. The choice between hollow and solid structures depends on the specific requirements and constraints of a task or project. While hollow structures offer advantages in terms of weight and adaptability, solid structures are distinguished by their resilience and consistency.
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Comparison Chart
Grammar
Usually an adjective.
Often used as an adjective.
Denotation
Refers to objects having an empty space inside.
Denotes objects that are filled with matter.
Attributes
Lightweight, can be fragile.
Dense, heavy, robust.
Usage
Common in structures where lightness is vital.
Preferred where strength and durability are key.
Application
Suitable for applications needing flow or storage.
Ideal for applications requiring resilience.
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Hollow and Solid Definitions
Hollow
Lacking in substance or character.
His apology felt hollow.
Solid
Firm and stable in shape; not liquid or fluid.
The lake had a solid layer of ice on top.
Hollow
Void of significance or point.
The argument was hollow and unsupported.
Solid
Dependable; reliable.
She provided solid advice for my career.
Hollow
Resonating sound due to emptiness.
His voice echoed with a hollow ring in the empty room.
Solid
Having three dimensions.
The cube is a solid figure.
Hollow
Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.
Solid
Of good substantial quality; sound.
This plan is based on solid research.
Hollow
Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Solid
Of definite shape and volume; not liquid or gaseous
It was so cold the water in the bucket became solid.
Hollow
Without substance or character
A hollow person.
Solid
(Mathematics) Of or relating to three-dimensional geometric figures or bodies.
Hollow
Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).
Solid
Firm or compact in substance
The floor was solid and would not give way.
Hollow
Having a reverberating, sepulchral sound
Hollow footsteps.
Solid
Not hollowed out
A solid block of wood.
Hollow
A cavity, gap, or space
A hollow behind a wall.
Solid
Being the same substance or color throughout
Solid gold.
Hollow
An indented or concave surface or area.
Solid
Having no gaps or breaks; continuous
A solid line of people.
Worked for a solid week.
Hollow
A void; an emptiness
A hollow in one's life.
Solid
Acting together; unanimous
A solid voting bloc.
Hollow
A small valley between hills or mountains.
Solid
Written without a hyphen or space. For example, the word software is a solid compound.
Hollow
To make hollow
Hollow out a pumpkin.
Solid
(Printing) Having no leads between the lines.
Hollow
To scoop or form by making concave
Hollow out a nest in the sand.
Solid
Of good quality
Off to a solid start.
Hollow
To become hollow or empty.
Solid
Substantial; hearty
A solid meal.
Hollow
A small valley between mountains.
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Rockies.
Solid
Sound; reliable
Solid facts.
Hollow
A sunken area or unfilled space in something solid; a cavity, natural or artificial.
The hollow of the hand or of a tree
Solid
Financially sound
A solid business.
Hollow
(figuratively) A feeling of emptiness.
A hollow in the pit of one’s stomach
Solid
Upstanding or dependable
A solid citizen.
Hollow
(US) A sunken area.
Solid
(Slang) Excellent; first-rate.
Hollow
(transitive) to make a hole in something; to excavate
Solid
A substance having a definite shape and volume; one that is neither liquid nor gaseous.
Hollow
To call or urge by shouting; to hollo.
Solid
(Mathematics) A geometric figure having three dimensions.
Hollow
(of something solid) Having an empty space or cavity inside.
A hollow tree; a hollow sphere
Solid
Without a break or opening; completely or continuously
The theater was booked solid for a month.
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.
Solid
As a whole; unanimously
The committee voted solid for the challenger.
Hollow
(figuratively) Without substance; having no real or significant worth; meaningless.
A hollow victory
Solid
(of an object or substance) That can be picked up or held, having a texture, and usually firm. Unlike a liquid, gas or plasma.
Almost all metals are solid at room temperature.
Hollow
(figuratively) Insincere, devoid of validity; specious.
A hollow promise
Solid
Large in size, quantity, or value.
Hollow
Concave; gaunt; sunken.
Solid
Lacking holes, hollows or admixtures of other materials.
Solid gold
Solid chocolate
Hollow
(gymnastics) Pertaining to hollow body position
Solid
Strong or unyielding.
A solid foundation
Hollow
(colloquial) Completely, as part of the phrase beat hollow or beat all hollow.
Solid
(slang) Excellent, of high quality, or reliable.
That's a solid plan.
Radiohead's on tour! Have you heard their latest album yet? It's quite solid.
I don't think Dave would have done that. He's a solid dude.
Hollow
Alternative form of hollo
Solid
Hearty; filling.
A solid meal
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.
Solid
Worthy of credit, trust, or esteem; substantial; not frivolous or fallacious.
Hollow
Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.
With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.
Solid
Financially well off; wealthy.
Hollow
Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.
Solid
Sound; not weak.
A solid constitution of body
Hollow
Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.
Solid
(typography) Written as one word, without spaces or hyphens.
American English writes many words as solid that British English hyphenates.
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.
Solid
Not having the lines separated by leads; not open.
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.
Solid
United; without division; unanimous.
The delegation is solid for a candidate.
Hollow
To make hollow, as by digging, cutting, or engraving; to excavate.
Solid
Of a single color throughout.
John painted the walls solid white.
He wore a solid shirt with floral pants.
Hollow
To shout; to hollo.
Whisperings and hollowings are alike to a deaf ear.
Solid
(of drawn lines) Continuous; unbroken; not dotted or dashed.
The solid lines show roads, and the dotted lines footpaths.
Hollow
To urge or call by shouting.
He has hollowed the hounds.
Solid
(dated) Having all the geometrical dimensions; cubic.
A solid foot contains 1,728 solid inches.
Hollow
Hollo.
Solid
(of volumes of materials) Measured as a single solid, as the volumes of individual pieces added together without any gaps.
Hollow
A cavity or space in something;
Hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks
Solid
(chemistry) A substance in the fundamental state of matter that retains its size and shape without need of a container (as opposed to a liquid or gas).
Hollow
A small valley between mountains;
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians
Solid
(geometry) A three-dimensional figure (as opposed to a surface, an area, or a curve).
Hollow
A depression hollowed out of solid matter
Solid
(informal) A favor.
Please do me a solid: lend me your car for one week.
I owe him; he did me a solid last year.
Hollow
Remove the inner part or the core of;
The mining company wants to excavate the hillsite
Solid
An article of clothing which is of a single color throughout.
I prefer solids over paisleys.
Hollow
Remove the interior of;
Hollow out a tree trunk
Solid
(in the plural) Food which is not liquid-based.
The doctor said I can't eat any solids four hours before the operation.
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
Solid
Solidly.
Hollow
Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses
Solid
Without spaces or hyphens.
Many long-established compounds are set solid.
Hollow
As if echoing in a hollow space;
The hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom
Solid
Having the constituent parts so compact, or so firmly adhering, as to resist the impression or penetration of other bodies; having a fixed form; hard; firm; compact; - opposed to fluid and liquid or to plastic, like clay, or to incompact, like sand.
Hollow
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
Solid
Not hollow; full of matter; as, a solid globe or cone, as distinguished from a hollow one; not spongy; dense; hence, sometimes, heavy.
Hollow
Having an empty space within.
The hollow log served as a shelter for small animals.
Solid
Having all the geometrical dimensions; cubic; as, a solid foot contains 1,728 solid inches.
Hollow
Not solid; having a cavity inside.
He tapped on the wall and it sounded hollow.
Solid
Firm; compact; strong; stable; unyielding; as, a solid pier; a solid pile; a solid wall.
Solid
Applied to a compound word whose parts are closely united and form an unbroken word; - opposed to hyphened.
Solid
Fig.: Worthy of credit, trust, or esteem; substantial, as opposed to frivolous or fallacious; weighty; firm; strong; valid; just; genuine.
The solid purpose of a sincere and virtuous answer.
These, wanting wit, affect gravity, and go by the name of solid men.
The genius of the Italians wrought by solid toil what the myth-making imagination of the Germans had projected in a poem.
Solid
Sound; not weakly; as, a solid constitution of body.
Solid
Of a fleshy, uniform, undivided substance, as a bulb or root; not spongy or hollow within, as a stem.
Solid
Impenetrable; resisting or excluding any other material particle or atom from any given portion of space; - applied to the supposed ultimate particles of matter.
Solid
Not having the lines separated by leads; not open.
Solid
United; without division; unanimous; as, the delegation is solid for a candidate.
Repose you there; while I [return] to this hard house,More harder than the stones whereof 't is raised.
I hear his thundering voice resound,And trampling feet than shake the solid ground.
Solid
A substance that is held in a fixed form by cohesion among its particles; a substance not fluid.
Solid
A magnitude which has length, breadth, and thickness; a part of space bounded on all sides.
Solid
A substance that is solid at room temperature and pressure
Solid
The state in which a substance has no tendency to flow under moderate stress; resists forces (such as compression) that tend to deform it; and retains a definite size and shape
Solid
A three-dimensional shape
Solid
Of definite shape and volume; firm; neither liquid nor gaseous;
Ice is water in the solid state
Water and milk and blood are liquid substances
Solid
Of good substantial quality;
Solid comfort
A solid base hit
Solid
Entirely of one substance with no holes inside;
Solid silver
A solid block of wood
Solid
Of one substance or character throughout;
Solid gold
A solid color
Carved out of solid rock
Solid
Uninterrupted in space; having no gaps or breaks;
A solid line across the page
Solid sheets of water
Solid
Providing abundant nourishment;
A hearty meal
Good solid food
Ate a substantial breakfast
Solid
Of good quality and condition; solidly built;
A solid foundation
Several substantial timber buildings
Solid
Having high moral qualities;
A noble spirit
A solid citizen
An upstanding man
A worthy successor
Solid
Not soft or yielding to pressure;
A firm mattress
The snow was firm underfoot
Solid ground
Solid
Having three dimensions;
A solid object
Solid
Incapable of being seen through;
Solid blackness
Solid
Entirely of a single color throughout;
A solid fabric
Solid
Acting together as a single undiversified whole;
A solid voting bloc
Solid
Strongly built or made of strong materials.
The house was built on a solid foundation.
FAQs
Is Solid synonymous with hard?
While many solids are hard, not all are; some solids can be soft, like solid rubber.
Does Hollow always mean completely empty inside?
No, hollow objects can have some substance but have a significant internal space or void.
Is a Solid object always heavy?
While solid objects are denser, they are not always heavy; it depends on the size and material.
Can Hollow refer to a sound?
Yes, a sound can be described as hollow if it seems to lack fullness or resonance, often due to being reflected in an empty space.
Can an object be both Hollow and Solid?
It may seem contradictory, but a structure can have solid walls while being hollow inside, like a pipe.
Can Solid refer to liquids or gases under certain conditions?
No, solid specifically refers to a state of matter distinct from liquid and gas, characterized by its firmness and stability.
Does Hollow always refer to physical objects?
No, hollow can describe abstract things, like a hollow promise, lacking sincerity or value.
Does a Hollow structure always collapse easily?
Not necessarily; some hollow structures are designed to be very stable and resilient, like hollow steel beams.
Can Solid objects contain liquids?
Yes, some solid objects, like watermelons, contain liquids within their solid structure.
Can Hollow have a metaphorical meaning?
Yes, hollow can metaphorically describe something as lacking substance, sincerity, or significance.
Is Hollow the opposite of Solid?
In many contexts, hollow is considered the opposite of solid due to the presence of internal space versus the absence of it.
Can Solid describe reliability?
Yes, solid can describe something or someone as reliable, dependable, or of good quality.
Can Solid refer to a character trait?
Yes, describing someone as solid can imply they are dependable, reliable, and steady.
Can a Solid object have hollow spaces within it?
While it might seem contradictory, some solid objects, like bones, do have small hollow spaces within them.
Can something appear Hollow and Solid simultaneously?
Yes, something can appear solid from outside but be hollow inside, like a chocolate Easter bunny.
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.
