Zeal

Pronunciation

• UK IPA: /ziːl/
• Rhymes: -iːl

Origin

First coined in 1382, from Middle English zele, from Old French zel, from Late Latin zēlus, from Ancient Greek ζῆλος (zēlos, "zeal, jealousy"), from ζηλόω (zēloō, "to emulate, to be jealous"). Cognate to jealous.

Full definition of zeal

Noun

1. The fervor or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest.
• DrydenZeal, the blind conductor of the will.
• Bible, Romans x. 2I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
2. (obsolete) A zealot.

Synonyms

• (fervor) ardor, eagerness, enthusiasm, intensity, passion

Antonyms

• (fervor) apathy

Derived terms

Related terms

• jealous
• jealousy

Anagrams

• laze