zealous

[ zel-uhs ]

adjective

1. full of, characterized by, or due to zeal; ardently active, devoted, or diligent.

   Synonyms: warm, passionate, intense, fervent, fervid, eager, enthusiastic

   Antonyms: lackadaisical, apathetic

zealous

/ ˈzɛləs /

adjective

1. filled with or inspired by intense enthusiasm or zeal; ardent; fervent

Derived Forms

• ˈzealously, adverb
• ˈzealousness, noun

Other Words From

• zealous·ly adverb
• zealous·ness noun
• non·zealous adjective
• non·zealous·ly adverb
• non·zealous·ness noun
• under·zealous adjective
• under·zealous·ly adverb
• under·zealous·ness noun
• un·zealous adjective
• un·zealous·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of zealous¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin zēlōsus; zeal, -ous

Example Sentences

Tanton was also drawing closer to Jared Taylor, whose writings about the superiority of white people had earned him a zealous following.

From Salon

Their voice, opinions and world view would be extremely influential on an industry with such a devoted and zealous fanbase.

From BBC

While others could have been destroyed by zealous Nigerian Christians convinced that they were the devil’s work.

From BBC

In June, the chief justice took charge of the case that ended with the court declaring that the government was too zealous in its prosecution of January 6 insurrectionists.

From Salon

Looming over all of Podesta’s efforts is this year’s election and the threat that Donald Trump could be even more zealous in trying to undo climate progress if he returns to in the White House.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• ardent
• avid
• dedicated
• earnest
• fanatical
• fervent
• impassioned
• passionate
• rabid