glimpse of nothingness

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "glimpse of nothingness" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts where one is describing a fleeting or brief experience of emptiness or void. Example: "As she closed her eyes, she felt a strange sense of peace wash over her, a glimpse of nothingness that momentarily freed her from her worries."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Books

Philosophy

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

/ All sumptuous glimpse of nothingness, like nothing / Firm in fog".

The New York Times - Books

From 1968 he served for seven years while, amid this and continuing work, he sought another monastic residence, in America - described in A Glimpse of Nothingness (1975).

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

The first glimpse of death and nothingness.

The New York Times - Books

Over the next week I get a glimpse into some of Oman's attractions- the vast stretches of nothingness like the Wahiba sands, the lush wadis or river valleys where Omanis swim and picnic and the ancient Nizwa Fort and souk which looks straight out of the Arabian nights.

Huffington Post

A swirling black hole of nothingness?

The Guardian - Opinion

Namibia might have a lot of nothingness, but that nothingness can be viewed with sundowners from the verandas of any of dozens of high-end lodges and tented camps or at one of the plethora of guest farms that provide a glimpse into what feels like the last redoubt of white colonial Africa.

The New York Times - Travel

This is the result of nothingness.

The New York Times

Emanationism precludes creation out of nothingness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Dr. Krauss delineates three different kinds of nothingness.

The New York Times - Science

His considerable legacy, however, is the opposite of nothingness.

The Guardian - Film

But ideas and death occupy two opposite sides of nothingness.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use the phrase "glimpse of nothingness" to evoke a sense of existential contemplation or to describe a moment of profound emptiness, particularly in philosophical or reflective writing.

Common error

Avoid using "glimpse of nothingness" in everyday conversation or informal writing. The phrase carries a weighty, philosophical tone that may feel out of place in lighter contexts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "glimpse of nothingness" functions as a noun phrase, often serving as the object of a verb or preposition. It describes a brief or momentary experience. Ludwig AI confirms its usage in descriptive and reflective contexts.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Formal & Business

25%

Less common in

Science

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "glimpse of nothingness" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a brief awareness of emptiness or the void. While relatively rare in usage, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, it finds its place in philosophical, reflective, and descriptive contexts, mainly in news and media and encyclopedic articles. Alternatives include "fleeting sense of void" and "brief look at oblivion". When using this phrase, consider its somber tone and reserve it for situations where such gravitas is fitting.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fleeting sense of void

Replaces "glimpse" with "fleeting sense" and "nothingness" with "void", emphasizing the transient and empty nature of the experience.

brief look at oblivion

Substitutes "glimpse" with "brief look" and "nothingness" with "oblivion", suggesting a quick observation of a state of being forgotten or unknown.

momentary awareness of emptiness

Replaces "glimpse" with "momentary awareness" and "nothingness" with "emptiness", highlighting a short period of being conscious of a lack of substance.

transient vision of the void

Substitutes "glimpse" with "transient vision" and "nothingness" with "the void", suggesting a temporary and insubstantial sighting of a vast emptiness.

quick insight into nullity

Replaces "glimpse" with "quick insight" and "nothingness" with "nullity", highlighting a brief understanding of a state of being without value or significance.

short experience of the abyss

Substitutes "glimpse" with "short experience" and "nothingness" with "the abyss", emphasizing a brief encounter with a seemingly bottomless chasm.

passing sensation of nonexistence

Replaces "glimpse" with "passing sensation" and "nothingness" with "nonexistence", highlighting a fleeting feeling of not being.

brief encounter with nihility

Replaces "glimpse" with "brief encounter" and "nothingness" with "nihility", suggesting a short meeting with a state of having no meaning or value.

fleeting impression of inanition

Substitutes "glimpse" with "fleeting impression" and "nothingness" with "inanition", highlighting a transient sense of emptiness and lack of vitality.

transitory look at oblivion

Replaces "glimpse" with "transitory look" and "nothingness" with "oblivion", suggesting a temporary view of being forgotten.

FAQs

How can I use "glimpse of nothingness" in a sentence?

You can use "glimpse of nothingness" to describe a fleeting experience of emptiness, such as "As she meditated, she experienced a "glimpse of nothingness", free from thoughts and sensations."

What does "glimpse of nothingness" mean?

"Glimpse of nothingness" refers to a brief or fleeting awareness of emptiness, non-existence, or a void. It suggests a momentary encounter with the absence of something, whether tangible or intangible.

Are there more common alternatives to "glimpse of nothingness"?

While "glimpse of nothingness" is evocative, you might consider alternatives like "fleeting sense of void" or "brief look at oblivion" for a more accessible expression.

In what contexts is "glimpse of nothingness" most appropriate?

"Glimpse of nothingness" is most suited for philosophical discussions, introspective writing, or artistic expressions where the theme of emptiness or existentialism is explored.