ENGLISH
REFERENCE

zen

n. uncountable
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈzɛn// zen Informal

n. a relaxed and calm feeling where you do not worry about things. People use it to describe a peaceful state of mind even when life is busy.

n. a state of calm attentiveness and meditative focus. In its secular sense, it refers to an attitude of peace and simplicity that avoids unnecessary stress or clutter.


SIMPLE

I need to find my Zen before the big meeting.

CONTEXTUAL

She keeps her desk very tidy because a clean workspace helps her maintain her Zen during the workday.

COMPLEX

Achieving a sense of Zen in a chaotic urban environment requires a disciplined commitment to mindfulness and the ability to filter out constant sensory distractions.

Synonyms
Origin

From Japanese 禅(ぜん) (zen), from Middle Chinese 禪 (MC dzyen), an abbreviation of 禪那 (MC dzyen na), from Sanskrit ध्यान (dhyāna, “a type of meditation”). Doublet of dhyana and Chan.

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