zealous
ZEL-us
/ˈzɛləs/
Greatly energy-filled and persistent in pursuit of a cause, belief, or objective.
Carries an edge of intense, rigorous, and sometimes uncompromising or extreme devotion.
The story behind the word. Zealous derives from the ancient Greek 'zelos', which denoted intense jealousy, emulation, or passion. In the 1st century AD, a radical Jewish faction known as the Zealots fiercely resisted Roman rule, giving the term its association with militant, uncompromising advocacy.
Word relationships
- fanatical: Fanatical implies unreasoning, dangerous devotion, whereas zealous can be positive or strict devotion to a good cause.
- fervent: Fervent stresses warmth and sincerity of feeling, while zealous stresses vigorous action on behalf of a cause.
- apathetic: Apathetic shows an absence of interest, energy, or concern.
- half-hearted: Half-hearted implies lack of effort or enthusiasm.
Commonly confused with
- jealous: Jealous means envious of someone else, while zealous means fiercely passionate about a goal.
Word family
- zeal (noun): Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
- zealot (noun): A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.
- zealously (adverb): With great energy, fervour, and devotion.
Collocations
- zealous advocate
- zealous pursuit
- zealous defender
- zealous reformer
Idioms & expressions
- fire in the belly
Example sentences
- "The zealous campaign workers passed out flyers in the pouring rain." Campaigning
- "The city appointed a zealous prosecutor dedicated to eliminating corruption." Reforms
Memory hook
ZEALOUS people have infinite ZEAL—they never take a rest when defending their goal. Fiercely devoted warrior.
When not to use
Avoid when describing simple casual enjoyment; use enthusiastic instead.
Fun facts
- Despite looking and sounding similar, 'jealous' and 'zealous' both descend from Greek 'zelos', splitting into different meanings over centuries.
Related words
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