blankly
|blank-ly|
/ˈblæŋk/
(blank)
empty space
Etymology
'blankly' originates from English, formed by the adjective 'blank' + the suffix '-ly'. The adjective 'blank' ultimately comes from Old French 'blanc', where 'blanc' meant 'white'.
'blanc' (Old French) passed into Middle English as 'blank(e)' meaning 'white, shining' or 'pale'; sense shifted in English to 'empty, void, without features' and later formed the adverb 'blankly' to mean 'in a blank manner'.
Initially, the root word meant 'white' or 'shining'; over time in English it evolved toward senses of 'empty' or 'void' and then to the present meanings of 'without expression' or 'vacant' associated with 'blankly'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adverb 1
in a way that shows no expression or emotion; without visible reaction on the face.
She looked at him blankly when he started talking about his plan.
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Adverb 2
in a way that shows lack of understanding, awareness, or mental response; vacantly or blank-mindedly.
When asked a difficult question, he just stared blankly and said nothing.
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Idioms
Last updated: 2025/09/24 06:07