What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
blankly
Example
She stared blankly at the computer screen, not knowing what to do next. [blankly: adverb]
Example
The child looked at the puzzle pieces blankly, unable to figure out how they fit together. [blankly: adverb]
vacantly
Example
He sat on the park bench, staring vacantly into space, lost in his own thoughts. [vacantly: adverb]
Example
The student listened to the lecture vacantly, not paying attention to what the teacher was saying. [vacantly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Blankly is more commonly used than vacantly in everyday language. Blankly is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while vacantly is less common and may have a slightly more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between blankly and vacantly?
Both blankly and vacantly are generally considered informal and can be used in casual conversations or writing.
