zero
Elementary (A2)
IPA: /ˈzɪəroʊ/
KK: /ˈziəroʊ/
adjective
Definition
Not having any value or amount; nothing at all.
Example
The temperature dropped to zero degrees last night.
Conversation
Did you hear about the new restaurant in town?
Yeah, I heard it has zero reviews so far.
That's surprising! You'd think they would have tried to promote it more.
Right? It makes me wonder if their food is even good.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
nil
naught
none
Antonyms
full
abundant
plentiful
noun
Definition
A number that represents nothing or the absence of any quantity; it is also used informally to describe someone or something that has no importance or influence.
Example
In mathematics, zero is used to indicate that there is no value or quantity.
Conversation
How many points did you score in the game last night?
I scored zero, unfortunately.
Oh no, that must have been frustrating!
transitive verb
Definition
To set a device or instrument to a value of zero, often for calibration or measurement purposes.
Example
The technician had to zero the scale before weighing the samples.
Tense Forms
Past: zeroed
Past Participle: zeroed
Conversation
Have you figured out how to zero the scale yet?
Not yet! I keep forgetting to adjust it before weighing anything.
It's really important to zero it for accurate measurements.
Root Explanation
Zero comes from the Italian word 'zero', which is derived from the Arabic 'ṣifr' (meaning empty or nothing). The term was later adopted into Latin as 'zephirum', which also means nothing. Thus, 'zero' signifies the absence of quantity or value.
Memory Tip
Think of the Arabic word 'ṣifr', which means empty or nothing, to remember that 'zero' represents the concept of nothingness.
Visually Confused Words
zer