Zone Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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zone
[zəʊn ]
Definitions
in geography
an area or region with a particular feature or characteristic. It can refer to a designated area for a specific purpose, such as a residential zone or a no-fly zone.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zone |
Used to describe a section or division of a larger area, often for specific purposes like regulations, planning, or functions.
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| area |
Refers to a particular part or section of a place, can be used generally to describe any space or region.
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| region |
Describes a large geographical area that can span multiple cities, states, or countries. Often used in a broader context than 'area'.
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| district |
Used to designate a specific part of a city, town, or country that has been named for administrative, legal, or other particular reasons.
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Examples of usage
- This area is a war zone and should be avoided at all costs.
- The city council approved the establishment of a new commercial zone in the downtown area.
in technology
a division in a computer's memory or storage for a specific purpose. It can also refer to a specific range of values or settings within a system.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zone |
Use 'zone' for informal or specific contexts like geographical regions or areas marked for a specific use.
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| sector |
Use 'sector' to describe a part of an economy, society, or a large system divided based on function or activity.
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| partition |
Use 'partition' to indicate a division within a larger area or object, often implying a boundary or barrier.
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| segment |
Use 'segment' for denoting a distinct part of a larger whole, often in a context where something is analyzed or broken down into parts.
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Examples of usage
- The operating system separates the memory into different zones for efficient management.
- Make sure to adjust the settings in the security zone for maximum protection.
in sports
to mark or divide an area for a specific purpose, such as in sports or regulations. It can also mean to focus or concentrate on a particular task or activity.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| zone |
This term is used to refer to a specific area designated for a particular purpose or characterized by a certain feature. It is often used in urban planning, geography, or general descriptions of areas.
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| mark off |
This phrase is often used to describe the act of distinguishing or delineating boundaries with clear markers. It can be used in both physical and metaphorical senses.
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| divide |
This word is suitable for discussing the act of separating something into distinct parts or sections. It can be used in both physical and abstract contexts to denote separation.
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| focus |
This term is appropriate when discussing concentration on a specific point or area. It’s commonly used in both literal and figurative senses, particularly in discussions about attention or clarity.
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Examples of usage
- The referee will zone the field for the upcoming soccer match.
- I need to zone in on my studies to ace this exam.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In geology, zones refer to areas with distinct characteristics, such as rock types or fossils, helping scientists understand Earth's history.
- In ecology, zoning is crucial for conservation, designating areas for different types of land use, like wildlife reserves or urban development.
- In physics, zones can describe areas of activity, such as the 'reaction zone' in a nuclear reactor where fission occurs.
Pop Culture
- In video gaming, the term 'zone' is often used to describe themed levels or regions, such as 'Green Hill Zone' in Sonic the Hedgehog.
- The popular TV show 'The Twilight Zone' explores unusual situations and moral dilemmas, taking viewers on a journey beyond the ordinary.
- In sports, players talk about being in 'the zone' when they perform at their best, feeling focused and energized.
Education
- Teachers often establish different learning zones in classrooms, such as a reading zone, a math zone, or a creative zone, to enhance engagement.
- In project management, a 'task zone' may refer to dedicated time periods for focused work, helping teams meet their goals more effectively.
- Educational psychologists use the concept of 'zone of proximal development' to define the difference between what a learner can do alone and with help.
Psychology
- The concept of a 'comfort zone' refers to a psychological state where a person feels safe, as opposed to the discomfort of trying new things.
- In mindfulness practices, entering a 'quiet zone' can help individuals concentrate and reduce stress, fostering deeper relaxation.
- Therapists often encourage clients to explore 'fear zones' as a part of personal growth, pushing them to confront their anxieties.
Origin of 'zone'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'zona', which means 'girdle' or 'belt', indicating something that surrounds or encircles.
- In ancient times, a 'zone' referred to a physical area on maps, which helped to define regions for trade or exploration.
- In Greek, 'zōnē' referred to a belt or girdle, linking the concept to boundaries or divisions.
The word 'zone' originated from the Latin word 'zona', which means 'belt' or 'girdle'. It entered the English language in the late 14th century, initially referring to a belt or girdle worn as an ornament. Over time, its meaning expanded to include areas or divisions with specific characteristics, as seen in its modern usage.
See also: zones.