# Zen

/ˈzɛn/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zen
Updated: 2026-08-08

## Senses

### 1. the religion

noun · CEFR B2

A branch of Buddhism from Japan and China that uses meditation to reach a deep understanding of life.

For teachers: A school of Mahayana Buddhism characterized by the use of meditation and intuition rather than ritual or study to achieve enlightenment.

- He spent three months at a temple in Japan studying Zen.
- The principles of Zen have significantly influenced Japanese aesthetics, particularly in the minimalist design of traditional rock gardens.

### 2. a state of calm

noun · CEFR B2 · Informal

A feeling of being completely peaceful, relaxed, and not worried about anything.

For teachers: A state of meditative calm or focused mindfulness, often achieved through simplicity or detachment from stress.

- I need to find my zen before I start this difficult project.
- After a chaotic week at the office, she sought to reclaim her zen by spending a quiet weekend in the mountains without her phone.

### 3. peaceful and relaxed

adjective · CEFR B2 · Informal

Describing someone who is very calm and relaxed, or a place that feels peaceful.

For teachers: Displaying a relaxed, enlightened, or unburdened attitude; often used to describe a person's temperament or the atmosphere of a space.

- She stayed totally zen even when the flight was cancelled.
- The minimalist decor gives the apartment a very zen feeling, making it the perfect escape from the noisy city streets.

## Examples

- I need to find my Zen before the big meeting.
- She keeps her desk very tidy because a clean workspace helps her maintain her Zen during the workday.
- 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.

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