# Zoe

/ˈzoʊi/ (US)

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/zoe
Updated: 2026-08-15

## Senses

### 1. a person's name

noun · CEFR A1

a common name for a girl or woman, originally from the Greek word for 'life'.

For teachers: a female given name derived from the Ancient Greek word for 'life'.

- Zoe is starting her new job at the hospital next Monday.
- The name Zoe has seen a significant resurgence in popularity across English-speaking countries over the last two decades.

### 2. biological life

noun · CEFR C2 · Academic · Technical

the basic fact of being alive that all animals and plants share, rather than a specific way of living.

For teachers: the concept of 'bare life' or biological existence, often contrasted with 'bios' (a qualified or political way of life).

- The philosopher discussed zoe as the simple biological life we share with all creatures.
- In contemporary political theory, the distinction between zoe and bios is crucial for understanding how power operates on the physical body.

Usage: Usually uncountable and written in lowercase when used as a philosophical or technical term.

## Examples

- The philosopher discussed the difference between zoe and bios.
- In his lectures, he argued that modern politics focuses too much on zoe, or mere biological survival.
- Agamben’s work explores how the state exerts power over zoe, reducing the human being to a state of bare life stripped of all legal and political rights.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.