Zone: meaning, definitions and examples

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zone

[zəʊn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

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

area, district, region.

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. This is a no-parking zone. We live in a school zone, so drive carefully.
area	Refers to a particular part or section of a place, can be used generally to describe any space or region. This area is known for its beautiful parks. The kitchen area is rather small.
region	Describes a large geographical area that can span multiple cities, states, or countries. Often used in a broader context than 'area'. The wine region of France is famous worldwide. Eastern region of the country is experiencing heavy rainfall.
district	Used to designate a specific part of a city, town, or country that has been named for administrative, legal, or other particular reasons. He lives in the financial district. This district has the best schools in the city.

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.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

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

partition, sector, segment.

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. We entered a no-fly zone. This lane is marked as a school zone.
sector	Use 'sector' to describe a part of an economy, society, or a large system divided based on function or activity. The technology sector is experiencing rapid growth. Public sector employees often have different benefits than those in the private sector.
partition	Use 'partition' to indicate a division within a larger area or object, often implying a boundary or barrier. A partition was installed to create two separate office spaces. The country was divided by a partition after the war.
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. This market segment has shown a significant increase in demand. The show will feature a segment on healthy eating.

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.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

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

divide, focus, mark off.

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. The city council has decided to create a pedestrian zone in the downtown area. We are entering a residential zone now, so please drive more slowly.
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. The event organizers marked off the area for VIP guests with ropes. She marked off each day on the calendar leading up to her vacation.
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. The teacher decided to divide the class into small groups for the project. A deep river divides the two regions.
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. We need to focus our efforts on improving customer service. The microscope allows the scientist to focus on the tiniest details.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "zone" in other languages:

🇵🇹 zona

🇮🇳 क्षेत्र (kshetra)

🇩🇪 Zone

Gebiet
Bereich

🇮🇩 zona

🇺🇦 зона

область
район

🇵🇱 strefa

🇯🇵 ゾーン (zōn)

🇫🇷 zone

🇪🇸 zona

🇹🇷 bölge

alan
saha

🇰🇷 지역 (jiyeok)

🇸🇦 منطقة (mintaqa)

🇨🇿 zóna

🇸🇰 zóna

🇨🇳 区域 (qūyù)

🇸🇮 cona

🇮🇸 svæði

🇰🇿 аймақ (aimaq)

🇬🇪 ზონა (zona)

🇦🇿 zona

🇲🇽 zona

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,923, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1920 curve
1921 branches
1922 ring
1923 zone
1924 strategy
1925 removal
1926 touch
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