Definition

In a way that shows a lack of thought or attention; without any expression or interest.

Example

She stared vacantly at the wall, lost in her thoughts.

Conversation

Did you see how he was staring at the wall vacantly?

Yeah, it was kind of weird, right?

I wondered what was going through his mind at that moment.

Maybe he was just daydreaming about something silly.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Vacantly → It is formed from "vacant" (from Latin "vacans", meaning empty or unoccupied) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "vacantly" means in a manner that is empty or unoccupied, often referring to a lack of thought or attention.

Memory Tip

Think of 'vacant' meaning empty, and remember that 'vacantly' describes doing something in an empty or unoccupied manner, like when someone seems lost in thought.

Visually Confused Words