inanis
[ɪˈnaː.nɪs]
In Latin, the word for 'void' is inanis.
The word Vacuum is specifically used in scientific contexts to refer to a state of absence or emptiness.
Meaning: to make invalid or worthless (verb)
Did you know?
- The origin of inanis is uncertain, but some scholars believe it stems from the prefix in- meaning 'not' combined with a root meaning 'having breath'.
- The word inanis is used in Roman philosophy to describe the 'void' of atoms, a concept borrowed from the Epicureans to explain how matter moves through space.
- While we use 'void' to describe a gap in space, a Roman might use inanis to describe a person who lacks character or intelligence.
Examples in context
- Terra autem erat inanis et vacua, et tenebræ super faciem abyssi, et spiritus Dei ferebatur super aquas.And the earth was void and empty, and darkness was upon the face of the deep, and the spirit of God moved over the waters.This sentence shows how to describe a state of being void and empty.Tatoeba #7928854 by carlosalberto, translation #7928882 by carlosalberto
- Librum inanem reliqui.I left an empty book.
- Sedebat in vacuo.He was sitting in the void space.
Example conversation
Lucius and Julia are discussing a broken legal contract.
- LuciusQuid est in hac arca?What is in this chest?
- JuliaNihil, arca inanis est.Nothing, the chest is void.
- LuciusUbi sunt nummi nostri?Where are our coins?
- JuliaIulia eos heri sumpsit.Julia took them yesterday.
Sources
- Pronunciation: Wiktionary entry inanis, CC BY-SA 4.0, dump of 2026-09-26.
- Word origins: Wiktionary entries inanis, CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Example sentences: Tatoeba CC BY 2.0 FR.
