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

Other Word Forms

• zealously adverb
• zealousness noun
• nonzealous adjective
• nonzealously adverb
• nonzealousness noun
• underzealous adjective
• underzealously adverb
• underzealousness noun
• unzealous adjective
• unzealously adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of zealous¹

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

Example Sentences

This is especially true for converts, who tend to be more zealous than people who are born into a given religion or faith tradition.

From Salon

He is speaking directly to his most zealous supporters on the Christian right who feel alienated from mainstream American society and view secular society as the enemy.

From Salon

Ludwig II of Bavaria was a zealous aesthete with enough personal wealth to treat part of what is now Germany as an architectural canvas.

From Salon

Lambasting his creative choices, and silently judging the one-hour-photo employee who calls his shots “pretty,” Scorsese good-naturedly mocked the zealous dedication he brought to his movies.

From Los Angeles Times

The controversy has caused his supporters to rally around him, praising his performance and the zealous way in which he has championed the president’s causes.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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