Quote
1. Quote - Listen to the quote and guess what the slang means.
[For a] lot of the analysis stuff, I just kind of go into a meditative state, and try to relax as much as possible, and zone out.
—Actress Evan Rachel Wood, speaking about playing a robot in the series Westworld (avclub.com)
Definition
1. Definition - Study the definition.
think about nothing, not pay attention
2. Use - Learn how the slang is used.
After a long day, most of us want to come home and relax. Relaxing can look different for different people. For example, some people might relax by getting some exercise. Other people might relax by talking on the phone with a friend. However, most people do not have enough energy to do anything after a long day. They prefer to sit on the couch and zone out by watching TV or reading a book.
To zone out is to not pay attention or to think about something else. When we have a lot on our minds or have had a stressful day, it can be helpful to zone out and distract ourselves. On the other hand, in some situations, it is important not to zone out… for example, in class or when one is driving! Actress Evan Rachel Wood plays a robot on the HBO series Westworld. She has to pretend that she feels no emotions. To do this, she will relax and zone out in certain scenes, so that there is no expression on her face.
What is your favorite way to zone out?
Examples
1. Examples - Hear some example sentences.
“I’m so tired. I just want to zone out in front of the TV.”
“I zoned out during the lecture and forgot to take notes. Now, how will I study for the exam?”
“I love running. I can zone out and listen to music while I exercise.”