zero

The word "zero" represents nothing, or it exists somewhere between 1 and -1.

• It’s zero outside. (zero = 0 degrees Fahrenheit or -17 degrees Celsius)
• Tonight the temperature will be ten degrees below zero.
• The teacher gave Todd a zero on his test because he cheated.
• Vanessa is going out with a guy who’s a total zero. (zero = a person without admirable qualities)
• I have zero interest in going to see that movie. (zero interest = no interest)
• This car can go from zero to 60 in five seconds.
• Operating in a zero-gravity environment is difficult for members of the international space station.

zero gravity

A common idiom in English is "zero in on." When used together, these three words mean that someone is focusing on something or aiming at something.

• Our company is trying to zero in on creating a safer workplace.
• Clara’s supervisor told her that she needs to zero in on her performance at work.
• Many people zero in on losing weight at the beginning of the new year.
• The government was able to zero in on the ISP address from which threatening email was being sent.

Click here to learn more words.

December 28, 2013