Zeroth
Adjective
- Immediately preceding what is regarded as first in a series.
Example Sentences
“I see you have the first step listed here, but I think we need a zeroth step before that.”
“Turning the key is the first step to start the car, but buckling your seat belt is the zeroth step.”
“I make ‘take a deep breath” my zeroth task before uttering my first word of a speech.”
Word Origin
English, mid-19th century
Why this word?
When making a to-do list, you can rank tasks in order of importance: “first,” “second,” “third,” “fourth,” etc. But there’s actually a number that comes before first, “zeroth.” This ordinal number, based on the word “zero,” comes immediately before what is considered first in a series. Perhaps the zeroth step of a to-do list is writing the list itself.
-
More brands you’ll love
Elevate Your Everyday
More brands you’ll loveElevate Your Everyday
Subscribe to Better Report to receive tips and tricks that will save you money, maximize your time, and improve your life.
Subscribe to Better Report
By clicking “Subscribe” you’re agreeing to Better Report Terms of Use and Privacy Policy
