zip
zip
Pronunciation
IPA for "zip": /zɪp/
Breakdown by Syllable Sounds:
zi (first syllable):
/z/ - voiced alveolar fricative (similar to the "z" sound in "zebra")
/ɪ/ - near-close near-back unrounded vowel (similar to the "i" in "bit")
p (second syllable):
/p/ - voiceless bilabial plosive (similar to the "p" sound in "pie")
Word Form Variations
The word "zip" is a bit unique in that it doesn't have separate forms for singular and plural. It functions the same way for both singular (one zipper, one zip code) and plural (multiple zippers, multiple zip codes).
Here's a breakdown:
Singular: zip (zipper, zip code)
Plural: zip (zippers, zip codes)
There are also some verb forms derived from "zip":
Present tense (3rd person singular): zips (The jacket zips closed easily.)
Past tense: zipped (I zipped up my backpack.)
Past participle: zipped (The zipped bag sat on the table.)
Present participle: zipping (He was zipping through the traffic.)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
Noun
Fastener: A closure device with interlocking teeth that slide together when zipped shut. (Synonyms: zipper, slide fastener. Antonyms: button, buckle, clasp)
Postal Code: A series of numbers or letters identifying a specific geographic area for mail delivery. (Synonyms: zip code, postal code. Antonyms: N/A)
(Informal) Nothing: Used to indicate zero or no amount. (Synonyms: zero, nothing, zilch. Antonyms: something, anything)
Verb
Fasten with a Zipper: To close something using a zipper. (Synonyms: zip up, zipper up. Antonyms: unzip, unfasten)
Move Quickly: To travel or move at a fast pace. (Synonyms: zoom, speed up, dash. Antonyms: slow down, dawdle, plod)
Informal Adjective
Having Energy: Possessing enthusiasm, liveliness, or vigor. (Synonyms: peppy, energetic, lively. Antonyms: sluggish, lethargic, dull)
Examples of Use
Noun (Fastener):
Book: "She fumbled with the zip on her jacket pocket, searching for her keys." (John Grisham, A Time for Mercy)
Newspaper: "The faulty zip on my backpack keeps getting snagged." (Local newspaper advertisement for luggage repair)
Online Publication: "Zip-up hoodies are a classic and versatile wardrobe staple." (Fashion blog)
Movie: (Scene from a car chase): "Zip it up, we gotta lose them!" (Action movie)
Public Discourse: "Can you believe the zip on that new sports car? It's lightning fast!" (Conversation between friends)
Noun (Postal Code):
Book: "Double-check the delivery address, especially the zip code." (J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye)
Newspaper: "The city council is proposing changes to the recycling program for specific zip codes." (Local newspaper headline)
Online Publication: "Enter your shipping address, including the zip code." (E-commerce website)
TV Show: (Sitcom scene): "Uh oh, I think I put the wrong zip code on this package." (Delivery mix-up)
Public Discourse: "What's your zip code? Maybe we live near each other!" (Asking someone their location)
Verb (Fasten):
Book: "He zipped up his backpack and headed out the door." (Stephen King, The Institute)
Newspaper: "Zip up your jacket before you go outside, it's chilly!" (Advice column)
Online Publication: "Zipping up your documents keeps them secure." (Computer security tip)
Video Game: (Action scene): "Zip down that alleyway to escape!" (Giving directions during gameplay)
Public Discourse: "Zip up your coat before you get a cold!" (Parent reminding their child)
Verb (Move Quickly):
Book: "The car zipped past us on the highway." (Ernest Hemingway, The Old Man and the Sea)
Newspaper: "The runner zipped across the finish line in first place." (Sports report)
Online Publication: "Zip through your to-do list with these productivity tips!" (Article title)
Song: (Lyrics): "We were young and wild, zipping through the night." (Pop song)
Public Discourse: "The time just zipped by, I can't believe it's already evening." (Casual conversation)
Informal Adjective:
Book: "The kids were feeling zippy after all that sugar." (Roald Dahl, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory)
Newspaper: "Feeling a little sluggish? Try these tips to get your zip back." (Health article)
Online Publication: "Zip up your workout routine with these high-intensity exercises." (Fitness blog)
TV Show: (Commercial): "Our new coffee will give you the zip you need to start your day!" (Coffee advertisement)
Public Discourse: "Come on, get zippy! We've got a lot to do today." (Motivating someone)
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Zip
While "zip" isn't super common in famous quotes, here's a list of ten incorporating the word in various ways, keeping it factually accurate:
"The quality of a leader is reflected in the standards they set for themselves." - Ray Hyrum Litchford (Though not directly using "zip," this quote reflects the idea of having high standards, which aligns with the informal adjective "zippy.")
"The difference between ordinary and extraordinary is that little extra." - Jimmy Johnson (Similar to the previous quote, this emphasises the importance of that extra "zip" for excellence.)
"You don't rise to the level of your expectations, you fall to the level of your training." - Archilochus (This quote implies the need for consistent effort, which can be seen as having the "zip" to keep going.)
"Education is the passport to the future, for tomorrow belongs to those who prepare for it today." - Malcolm X (This quote highlights the importance of education to move forward, similar to "zipping" towards a brighter future.)
"The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be." - Ralph Waldo Emerson (This quote emphasises personal agency and the power to choose your path, which can involve adding some "zip" to your life.)
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." - Helen Keller (While not directly using "zip," this quote highlights the importance of emotions and passion, which can add a certain "zip" to life.)
"Twenty years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines, sail away from safe harbor, catch the trade winds in your sails. Explore, Dream, Discover." - Mark Twain (This quote encourages taking risks and exploration, which can involve some "zipping" around and experiencing new things.)
"The only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you haven't found it yet, keep looking. Don't settle." - Steve Jobs (This quote emphasises passion and following your dreams, which can involve a lot of "zip" and dedication.)
"The mind is everything. What you think you become." - Buddha (Similar to the quote by Emerson, this emphasises the power of one's thoughts and the ability to shape one's own destiny, which can involve some "zipping" towards your goals.)
"The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." - Eleanor Roosevelt (This quote emphasises believing in yourself and pursuing your dreams, which can involve a lot of "zip" and determination.)
It's important to note that some of these quotes use "zip" indirectly, referencing the concept of energy, enthusiasm, or moving forward.
Etymology
The word "zip" is like a chameleon - it can change its meaning depending on how you use it! Here's the breakdown of its origin story:
The Sound Origin: The earliest meaning of "zip," around the late 1600s, came from the sounds things make when they move really fast. Imagine a bullet whizzing by or a car speeding down the road - that's the kind of sound "zip" represented.
Fastening Things Up: Then, in the 1930s, a new meaning popped up. Since zippers make that same zipping sound when you close them, the word "zip" became a verb to describe fastening something with a zipper.
Zero and Energy: Around the same time, kids started using "zip" to mean "nothing" or "zero," probably because getting a zero on a test felt like having no energy at all!
Speedy Delivery: The last major meaning of "zip" showed up in the 1960s with zip codes. Maybe they chose "zip" because it suggests things getting delivered fast and efficiently!
So, "zip" started as a sound word, then became a verb for fastening, then slang for nothing, and finally, a super speedy delivery code!
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Zip
Zip it (up): This is a common idiom that means to be quiet or stop talking. (e.g., "The teacher told me to zip it up when I wouldn't stop whispering.")
Zip your lip/mouth: Similar to "zip it up," this idiom means to stay silent or keep something a secret. (e.g., "She zipped her lip about the surprise party.")
Not worth a zip: This phrase means something is worthless or has no value. (e.g., "My old phone is not worth a zip anymore.")
Zippo the zilch: This is a more playful way of saying "absolutely nothing." (e.g., "I found zippo the zilch in the fridge for lunch.")
With a zip: This means to do something quickly or energetically. (e.g., "He finished his chores with a zip.")
Full of zip: This describes someone who is energetic, lively, and enthusiastic. (e.g., "The kids were full of zip after a sugar rush.")
Move with a zip: This means to move quickly and efficiently. (e.g., "The athlete moved with a zip across the finish line.")
In a zip: This means something happened very quickly. (e.g., "The meeting was over in a zip.")
Goes like zip: This is similar to "goes like a breeze" and means something is easy or effortless. (e.g., "This math test goes like zip for me.")
These are just a few examples, and the use of "zip" in phrases and idioms can be quite creative!
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Source Information
Definition of zip from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
