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 Word Forms

• zealless adjective
• underzeal 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

The week started full of optimism and zeal.

From BBC

Given the level of opposition to removing those barriers, Hendry says, Reform UK's zeal for shale gas was mistaken.

From BBC

The newly graduated 26-year-old and devout Catholic was just three months into a job as a customs official - which he had taken on with his usual zeal, by refusing to be bribed.

From BBC

It is not bad for a man who spoke at the start of the week about how professional golf was "not a fulfilling life" and questioned "the point" of pursuing victories with such zeal.

From BBC

A number of judicial experts have expressed surprise at the zeal with which the investigations have been carried out.

From BBC

Related Words

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