zealous
ZEL-uhs
/ˈzel.əs/
Having or showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
Implies burning passion, sometimes bordering on fanatical devotion.
The story behind the word. Traces back to ancient Greek 'zelos', which described intense emotional boiling or bubbling. It gave rise to both 'zealous' (burning devotion to a cause) and 'jealous' (burning hostility toward a rival).
Word relationships
- passionate: 'Passionate' is general emotional warmth; 'zealous' implies active championing of a specific cause.
- fanatical: 'Fanatical' carries negative connotations of irrational excess, whereas 'zealous' can be positive.
- apathetic: Showing no interest or enthusiasm.
- tepid: Showing little enthusiasm or lukewarm commitment.
Commonly confused with
- jealous: 'Jealous' means envious of others; 'zealous' means passionately enthusiastic.
Word family
- zeal (noun): Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
- zealot (noun): A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideals.
Collocations
- zealous advocate
- zealous pursuit
- overly zealous
- zealous defender
Idioms & expressions
- fire in the belly
Example sentences
- "The zealous advocates picketed outside the power plant in the freezing rain." Environmental activism
- "He was a zealous collector of rare manuscripts, searching every attic in Europe." Historical research
Memory hook
ZEALOUS people act with intense ZEAL and full ENERGY. Zealous = boiling over with passion.
When not to use
Do not use for mild approval or passive interest.
Fun facts
- The 'Zealots' were a real 1st-century political faction in Judea who fiercely resisted Roman rule.
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