noun
Zoe
ZOH-ee
noun
1
Bare biological existence, as distinct from a person's particular way of life or social identity.
"The philosopher contrasted zoe, mere biological life, with bios, a life shaped by meaning and politics."
How to Use Zoe
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishAn academic term for life in its raw biological sense, used mainly in philosophy and political theory.
When to use it
This is a specialist, academic usage — outside philosophy texts, "Zoe" is almost always just a first name.
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The philosopher contrasted _____, mere biological life, with bios, a life shaped by meaning and politics.
Etymology
From the Ancient Greek word for "life"; the philosopher Giorgio Agamben popularized this specific technical sense.