noun Uncommon

Zoe

ZOH-ee

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Zoe (noun) means Bare biological existence, as distinct from a person's particular way of life or social identity. Example: “The philosopher contrasted zoe, mere biological life, with bios, a life shaped by meaning and politics.”

noun

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 notes

In 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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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

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Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

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.

Origin: Ancient Greek

Synonyms

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bare life

Rhymes for Zoe

OE toe foe doe roe Joe hoe woe moe soe Coe Poe

See all rhymes for Zoe →

Frequently asked questions

What does “Zoe” mean?

The word “Zoe” means bare biological existence, as distinct from a person's particular way of life or social identity. In plain terms, an academic term for life in its raw biological sense, used mainly in philosophy and political theory.

How do you pronounce “Zoe”?

“Zoe” is pronounced ZOH-ee (/ˈzoʊ.i/ in IPA).

How do you use “Zoe” in a sentence?

Here is “Zoe” used in a sentence: “The philosopher contrasted zoe, mere biological life, with bios, a life shaped by meaning and politics.”

What part of speech is “Zoe”?

“Zoe” is a noun.

Where does the word “Zoe” come from?

The word “Zoe” comes from Ancient Greek. From the Ancient Greek word for "life"; the philosopher Giorgio Agamben popularized this specific technical sense.

Is “Zoe” a common word?

“Zoe” is an uncommon word in modern English.

What is the difference between "zoe" and "bios" in Greek thought?

"Zoe" refers to bare biological existence, the fact of being alive, as distinct from "bios," which denotes a person's particular way of life or social identity. The distinction separates raw life itself from the qualified, lived form that life takes within a community.

Is "zoe" a philosophical or biological term?

"Zoe" is used primarily as a philosophical and theoretical term to denote bare biological existence, distinguishing it conceptually from social or political forms of life rather than functioning as a technical biological classification.

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