Nothing/ˈnʌθɪŋ/ Definition 1 of 5Pro Tip 1/3Negative Emphasis Used to emphasize the absence of anything within a specific context. There’s nothing in the fridge for dinner. Pro Tip 2/3Notable Exaggeration Sometimes used to exaggerate the lack of options or solutions in a situation. There's nothing to do in this town! Pro Tip 3/3Literal Absence It can literally mean the absence of anything at all, not just objects. When I opened the box, there was nothing inside.