test blank: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B1Neutral to Formal
Quick answer
What does “test blank” mean?
A space intentionally left empty or unfilled.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A space intentionally left empty or unfilled; a line or area where nothing is written or printed.
Showing no expression, understanding, or interest; a state of emptiness or non-existence; lacking features or information.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minor. In forms, BrE may say "Leave it blank," while AmE uses "Leave it blank" or "Fill in the blank." The verb 'to blank' (to ignore someone) is more common in BrE slang.
Connotations
Similar. Both associate 'blank' with emptiness, neutrality, or lack. 'Blank cheque/check' has the same figurative meaning of unlimited freedom.
Frequency
Comparably frequent in both varieties.
Grammar
How to Use “test blank” in a Sentence
to leave something blankto go blankto draw a blankto blank somebody (out)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “test blank” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He totally blanked me in the corridor yesterday – pretended he didn't see me.
- I'm sorry, I've blanked on her name.
American English
- Just blank out that section if it doesn't apply to you.
- My computer screen blanked for a second and then rebooted.
adverb
British English
- She stared blankly out of the window.
- He answered the question blankly, showing no emotion.
American English
- The suspect looked at the detective blankly.
- The screen went blankly black before the error message appeared.
adjective
British English
- She handed me a blank sheet of paper.
- He stared at me with a blank expression.
American English
- Please sign on the blank line.
- The questionnaire had several blank boxes.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Please complete the form and do not leave any fields blank.
Academic
The researcher argued that the infant's mind is not a tabula rasa, or blank slate.
Everyday
My mind went completely blank when the interviewer asked the first question.
Technical
The device boots to a blank screen if the firmware is corrupted.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “test blank”
- Incorrect: *'Write your name in the blank.' Correct: 'Write your name in the blank space' OR 'Fill in the blank.' (The word often requires a partner noun like 'space', 'line', or 'field').
- Incorrect: *'I had a blank memory.' Correct: 'My memory was blank' or 'My mind went blank.'
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
It is neutral but context-dependent. A 'blank slate' is positive (potential), while a 'blank look' or 'blank mind' is often negative (lack of understanding).
'Empty' describes a container or space with nothing inside. 'Blank' specifically describes a surface (paper, screen, face) lacking marks, writing, or expression. A page can be blank; a bottle is empty.
Yes. It means to make something blank (e.g., blank the screen) or, in British slang, to deliberately ignore someone (e.g., He blanked me). The phrase 'blank out' means to erase or forget.
It comes from lotteries in the 16th century. To 'draw a blank' meant to draw a losing ticket (which was blank), hence to get a non-result or fail.
A space intentionally left empty or unfilled.
Test blank is usually neutral to formal in register.
Test blank: in British English it is pronounced /blæŋk/, and in American English it is pronounced /blæŋk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Draw a blank (to fail to remember or find something)”
- “A blank cheque/check (unlimited freedom or authority)”
- “A blank slate (something not yet marked by experience)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BLANKet covering something, making it featureless and plain. A BLANK space is like a white blanket on paper.
Conceptual Metaphor
IGNORANCE / ABSENCE IS A BLANK SPACE ("My mind is blank"). POSSIBILITY IS A BLANK PAGE ("A blank slate for new ideas").
Practice
Quiz
In British informal English, what does it mean if someone 'blanks' you?