Concave vs. Hollow — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on April 17, 2024
Concave refers to a surface that curves inward, like the inside of a bowl, while hollow indicates an empty space within an object, like a cave.
Difference Between Concave and Hollow
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A concave surface is shaped like the inside of a sphere or bowl, curving inward from the edges towards a central point. On the other hand, hollow describes an internal void or space within an object, emphasizing emptiness rather than shape.
While concave specifically refers to the surface shape and can be used to describe lenses, mirrors, or geography, hollow pertains to the internal characteristics of objects like tubes, cavities in trees, or spaces within structures.
Concave surfaces can manipulate the path of light, sound, and other waves, focusing them to a point. Conversely, hollow spaces can affect the distribution and resonance of sound, light, and structural integrity, depending on their size and shape.
A concave detail on an object often contributes to its functionality, like a concave mirror focusing light. Whereas, a hollow part may be designed to reduce weight, increase resonance, or provide space for additional components.
Designers might choose a concave shape for aesthetic appeal or ergonomic comfort in products like seating or tools, while hollow structures are often utilized in engineering to improve material efficiency and functionality.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Curving inward, like the inside of a sphere
Having an empty space inside
Typical Usage
Mirrors, lenses, dishes
Pipes, drums, boxes
Effect on Light
Focuses light
May allow light to pass through or be stored
Structural Impact
Affects the surface curvature
Influences the overall weight and strength
Example in Nature
Valley shaped by glacial erosion
Cavity in an old tree
Compare with Definitions
Concave
Shaped like the interior of a circle or sphere.
The concave lens disperses light rays outward.
Hollow
Having a space or cavity inside.
The hollow tree became a home for the owls.
Concave
Inwardly curved edges.
The artist carved a concave pattern into the wood.
Hollow
Devoid of solid matter or substance inside.
The children discovered the hollow chocolate bunnies.
Concave
Curved inward.
The skateboard ramp has a concave surface for better tricks.
Hollow
Not solid; having a depression.
The pillow was hollow in the middle from years of use.
Concave
A surface that slopes away from the observer.
The dish's concave shape helps concentrate signals.
Hollow
Lacking real value or significance.
Her apology felt hollow after the repeated mistakes.
Concave
Designed to focus or collect.
The telescope uses a concave mirror to focus starlight.
Hollow
Sounding empty or echoing.
His hollow voice resonated through the empty hall.
Concave
Curved like the inner surface of a sphere.
Hollow
Having a cavity, gap, or space within
A hollow wall.
Concave
A concave surface, structure, or line.
Hollow
Deeply indented or concave; sunken
"His bearded face already has a set, hollow look" (Conor Cruise O'Brien).
Concave
To make concave.
Hollow
Without substance or character
A hollow person.
Concave
Curved like the inner surface of a sphere or bowl.
Hollow
Devoid of truth or validity; specious
"Theirs is at best a hollow form of flattery" (Annalyn Swan).
Concave
Not convex; having at least one internal angle greater than 180 degrees.
Hollow
Having a reverberating, sepulchral sound
Hollow footsteps.
Concave
Satisfying the property that all segments connecting two points on the function's graph lie below the function.
Hollow
A cavity, gap, or space
A hollow behind a wall.
Concave
Hollow; empty.
Hollow
An indented or concave surface or area.
Concave
A concave surface or curve.
Hollow
A void; an emptiness
A hollow in one's life.
Concave
The vault of the sky.
Hollow
A small valley between hills or mountains.
Concave
One of the celestial spheres of the Ptolemaic or geocentric model of the world.
Aristotle makes [Fire] to move to the concave of the Moon. - Thomas Salusbury (1661).
Hollow
To make hollow
Hollow out a pumpkin.
Concave
(manufacturing) An element of a curved grid used to separate desirable material from tailings or chaff in mining and harvesting.
Hollow
To scoop or form by making concave
Hollow out a nest in the sand.
Concave
(surfing) An indentation running along the base of a surfboard, intended to increase lift.
Hollow
To become hollow or empty.
Concave
(skateboarding) An indented area on the top of a skateboard, providing a position for foot placement and increasing board strength.
Hollow
A small valley between mountains.
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Rockies.
Concave
(gambling) A playing card made concave for use in cheating.
Hollow
A sunken area or unfilled space in something solid; a cavity, natural or artificial.
The hollow of the hand or of a tree
Concave
To render concave, or increase the degree of concavity.
Hollow
(figuratively) A feeling of emptiness.
A hollow in the pit of one’s stomach
Concave
Hollow and curved or rounded; vaulted; - said of the interior of a curved surface or line, as of the curve of the of the inner surface of an eggshell, in opposition to convex; as, a concave mirror; the concave arch of the sky.
Hollow
(US) A sunken area.
Concave
Hollow; void of contents.
As concave . . . as a worm-eaten nut.
Hollow
(transitive) to make a hole in something; to excavate
Concave
A hollow; an arched vault; a cavity; a recess.
Up to the fiery concave towering hight.
Hollow
To call or urge by shouting; to hollo.
Concave
To make hollow or concave.
Hollow
(of something solid) Having an empty space or cavity inside.
A hollow tree; a hollow sphere
Concave
Curving inward
Hollow
(of a sound) Distant, eerie; echoing, reverberating, as if in a hollow space; dull, muffled; often low-pitched.
He let out a hollow moan.
Hollow
(figuratively) Without substance; having no real or significant worth; meaningless.
A hollow victory
Hollow
(figuratively) Insincere, devoid of validity; specious.
A hollow promise
Hollow
Concave; gaunt; sunken.
Hollow
(gymnastics) Pertaining to hollow body position
Hollow
(colloquial) Completely, as part of the phrase beat hollow or beat all hollow.
Hollow
Alternative form of hollo
Hollow
Having an empty space or cavity, natural or artificial, within a solid substance; not solid; excavated in the interior; as, a hollow tree; a hollow sphere.
Hollow with boards shalt thou make it.
Hollow
Depressed; concave; gaunt; sunken.
With hollow eye and wrinkled brow.
Hollow
Reverberated from a cavity, or resembling such a sound; deep; muffled; as, a hollow roar.
Hollow
Not sincere or faithful; false; deceitful; not sound; as, a hollow heart; a hollow friend.
Hollow
A cavity, natural or artificial; an unfilled space within anything; a hole, a cavern; an excavation; as the hollow of the hand or of a tree.
Hollow
A low spot surrounded by elevations; a depressed part of a surface; a concavity; a channel.
Forests grewUpon the barren hollows.
I hate the dreadful hollow behind the little wood.
Hollow
To make hollow, as by digging, cutting, or engraving; to excavate.
Hollow
To shout; to hollo.
Whisperings and hollowings are alike to a deaf ear.
Hollow
To urge or call by shouting.
He has hollowed the hounds.
Hollow
Hollo.
Hollow
A cavity or space in something;
Hunger had caused the hollows in their cheeks
Hollow
A small valley between mountains;
He built himself a cabin in a hollow high up in the Appalachians
Hollow
A depression hollowed out of solid matter
Hollow
Remove the inner part or the core of;
The mining company wants to excavate the hillsite
Hollow
Remove the interior of;
Hollow out a tree trunk
Hollow
Not solid; having a space or gap or cavity;
A hollow wall
A hollow tree
Hollow cheeks
His face became gaunter and more hollow with each year
Hollow
Deliberately deceptive;
Hollow (or false) promises
False pretenses
Hollow
As if echoing in a hollow space;
The hollow sound of footsteps in the empty ballroom
Hollow
Devoid of significance or point;
Empty promises
A hollow victory
Vacuous comments
Common Curiosities
How do concave surfaces affect light?
Concave surfaces focus light towards a single point, enhancing the intensity and clarity of the image.
What does "concave" mean in physics?
In physics, "concave" refers to a surface or mirror that curves inward, focusing light or other waves.
What differentiates a concave mirror from a flat mirror?
A concave mirror curves inward and can focus light, whereas a flat mirror reflects light directly back without focusing.
What materials are typically used to create concave shapes?
Glass, plastic, and metal are often used to create concave shapes, especially in optics and consumer products.
Can a surface be both concave and hollow?
Yes, a surface can be both concave and hollow if it curves inward and also contains a cavity or void.
Is "hollow" used metaphorically?
Yes, "hollow" can be used metaphorically to describe something that lacks depth, sincerity, or real value.
What are common applications of hollow structures?
Hollow structures are commonly used in construction and manufacturing to reduce weight while maintaining strength.
How do hollow objects influence sound?
Hollow objects can amplify and modify sound waves, often creating resonance or echo effects.
How does the concept of concavity relate to mathematics?
In mathematics, concavity refers to the curvature direction of a graph, indicating whether it opens up or down.
Why might an engineer choose a hollow design?
Engineers might choose hollow designs to improve structural efficiency, reduce materials cost, and enhance functionality.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
