zeal

[ zeel ]

noun

1. fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor.

   Synonyms: passion, intensity

   Antonyms: apathy

zeal

/ ziːl /

noun

1. fervent or enthusiastic devotion, often extreme or fanatical in nature, as to a religious movement, political cause, ideal, or aspiration

Other Words From

• zealless adjective
• under·zeal noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of zeal¹

First recorded in 1350–1400; Middle English zele, from Late Latin zēlus “jealousy, rivalry,” from Greek zêlos

Word History and Origins

Origin of zeal¹

C14: from Late Latin zēlus, from Greek zēlos

Example Sentences

In her zeal to bring Jinx to justice and end the Zaun uprising, Caitlyn tries to shoot Jinx even though doing so would needlessly endanger a child.

From Salon

Gay has taken the zeal and devotion she once felt for the LDS church and brought it to her role as a housewife.

From Los Angeles Times

They said the ban had been "a policy enforced for decades with cruelty and zeal".

From BBC

Fourth, her message lacks a spirit of optimistic, patriotic zeal.

From Salon

But now there is a newfound zeal for change following Labour’s general election victory.

From BBC

Related Words

• ardor
• determination
• devotion
• diligence
• eagerness
• earnestness
• fanaticism
• fervor
• gusto
• inclination
• intensity
• passion
• perseverance
• sincerity
• spirit
• urgency
• verve
• warmth
• zest