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zen Meaning & Definition

/ˈzɛn/

What Does Zen Mean?

Zen is a symbol that means ISO 639-2 & ISO 639-3 language code for Zenaga. As a noun, it means Synonym of enlightenment, particularly the kind acquired through Zen meditation. As an adjective, it means Alternative letter-case form of Zen: of or related to Zen Buddhism, particularly its focus on indirect teaching of wisdom through riddles and stories.

Zen: Key Facts

Part of speechsymbol, noun, adjective
Pronunciation/ˈzɛn/
Synonymszen buddhism
Comparative / superlativemore zen, most zen

Zen Definition (Symbol)

  1. ISO 639-2 & ISO 639-3 language code for Zenaga.

Zen as a Noun

  1. Synonym of enlightenment, particularly the kind acquired through Zen meditation.
  2. An approach to instruction, understanding, or an activity similarly emphasizing simplicity and intuition rather than conventional thinking or fixation on goals.

    the zen of cooking

Zen as an Adjective

  1. Alternative letter-case form of Zen: of or related to Zen Buddhism, particularly its focus on indirect teaching of wisdom through riddles and stories.
  2. Wise, displaying enlightenment or similar wisdom, insightful, unburdened and free of worries, extremely relaxed and capable.

Synonyms of Zen

Zen synonyms and antonyms →

Zen in a Sentence

the zen of cooking

the zen of passing the bar exam

the zen of C++

Word Forms & Grammar

zen (uncountable)

zen (comparative more zen, superlative most zen)

Words That Rhyme With Zen

Origin of Zen

From Zen. In more general use, popularized by Eugen Herrigel's 1948 Zen in the Art of Archery and Robert M. Pirsig's 1974 Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Zen

Is zen a symbol or a noun?

Zen is mainly used as a symbol, but it can also be used as a noun and an adjective.

What is another word for zen?

Close synonyms of zen are zen buddhism. See the full list of zen synonyms and antonyms.

What are the comparative and superlative forms of zen?

The comparative form is more zen and the superlative form is most zen.