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I thought that Empty was the word, that besides its original meaning, could be used when you refer to some abstract idea, like "I feel like my soul is empty today". However, recently I've encountered the word Vacuous in the same abstract contaxt "That idea is vacuous".

So what's the difference between those two?

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    Have you checked the meanings in a dictionary?
    – Mick
    Dec 17, 2016 at 14:44
  • Sure, I have, in several dictionaries.
    – Giorgi Tsiklauri
    Dec 17, 2016 at 14:48
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    The use of vacuous to mean "empty" is archaic. The other meaning given by Google is current.
    – Mick
    Dec 17, 2016 at 14:56
  • You can't be serious if you refer to Google for finding the English translations / vocabulary.. So, before asking whether "have I checked the dictionary?" please consider what is your sources of English, rather than being rude.
    – Giorgi Tsiklauri
    Jan 30, 2019 at 9:19

1 Answer 1

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The only real difference is that empty is used more in the context of objects and vacuous has evolved into a modern slander for calling somebody empty minded.

I tried to explain but the woman was vacuous.

But there is still nothing wrong with, and may even be slightly more polite to say

I tried to explain but the woman was empty minded.

I would say it is borderline rude to use vacuous, verging on arrogant. So avoid where you can, unless you are looking to insult with an erudite manner.

Edit

You can also use the term to describe an expression.

She had a vacuous expression ever since her cat died three weeks ago.

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  • Thanks for answer, that's pretty much what I wrote, right? Vacuous is something that I met in abstract, indirect context.
    – Giorgi Tsiklauri
    Dec 17, 2016 at 14:56
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    Empty-headed would be the more idiomatic rendering of vacuous, and we often speak of a facial expression suggestive of either mental vacuity or flat affect as a vacuous expression. Finally, empty is quite applicable to OP's soul or life to indicate a spiritual emptiness, as distinct from the lack of intellectual faculties that is usually meant by vacuous.
    – Brian Donovan
    Dec 17, 2016 at 14:57
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    Calling someone vacuous is certainly not a slander. That's a ridiculous idea. Calling an argument vacuous (having or showing a lack of thought or intelligence) is reasonable enough.
    – Mick
    Dec 17, 2016 at 15:00
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    Mick you are vacuous.
    – Chris
    Dec 17, 2016 at 15:04
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    I think my friends share your opinion (but they are too polite to tell me). :-]
    – Mick
    Dec 17, 2016 at 15:10

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