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Zero: Meaning, Examples, and Usage Guide (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：the number zero (zero)
zero
/ˈzɪroʊ/
n./adj./v.
The number 0; it means nothing or none. It's the starting point for counting.
the number zero
➕
/ðə ˈnʌmbər ˈzɪroʊ/
n./adj./v.
Represents the absence of quantity; the starting point of the number line.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Arabic 'sifr' (empty) via Italian 'zero'; signifies nothing or the point where counting begins.
💡 Mnemonic
Zero is a round circle that holds nothing, like an empty plate.
📖 Example
After checking off all the items, there were zero things left on my shopping list.
After checking off all the items, there were zero things left on my shopping list.
🔗 Collocations
zero balance – A bank account balance of $0.
zero point – The starting point on a scale.
zero tolerance – A policy of strict enforcement without exceptions.
🔄 Synonyms
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
Zero comes from Arabic 'sifr' (empty) via Italian. It was introduced to Europe by Fibonacci, enabling modern arithmetic and the place-value system.
Meaning 2：zero degrees (zero)
zero
/ˈzɪroʊ/
n./adj./v.
The point on a temperature scale where the reading is 0. For example, 0 degrees Celsius is when water freezes.
zero degrees
➕
/ˈzɪroʊ dɪˈɡriːz/
n./adj./v.
The point on a temperature scale where the reading is 0, specifically the freezing point of water on the Celsius scale.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The weather forecast warned that temperatures might drop to zero degrees Celsius tonight.
The weather forecast warned that temperatures might drop to zero degrees Celsius tonight.
🔗 Collocations
below zero – Temperatures lower than 0 degrees.
zero degrees – Exactly the freezing point.
zero Celsius – The same as 0°C.
🔄 Synonyms
freezing point (n.) – The temperature at which water freezes.
🚫 Antonyms
boiling point (n.) – The temperature at which water boils, 100°C.
Meaning 3：a nobody (zero)
zero
/ˈzɪroʊ/
n./adj./v.
(Informal) A person or thing of no value, worth, or importance; a complete failure.
a nobody
➕
/ə ˈnoʊbədi/
n./adj./v.
Informally, a person considered insignificant, useless, or a failure.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
After forgetting his lines on stage, he felt like a total zero.
After forgetting his lines on stage, he felt like a total zero.
🔗 Collocations
feel like a zero – To feel worthless or insignificant.
total zero – An utterly useless person.
🔄 Synonyms
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