What does zeal mean?
Zeal denotes a strong and energetic enthusiasm for a person, cause, activity, or ideal. It is more intense than simple interest and often suggests active commitment: someone with zeal is eager to participate, persuade, learn, or act. The word can be approving, as when it describes devotion to a worthwhile project, or disapproving, as when it characterizes fanaticism or an obsessive pursuit. People commonly speak of having “zeal for” a cause, such as religious belief, learning, reform, or competitive sport. Although zeal is closely related to passion and enthusiasm, it often implies a degree of intensity or single-mindedness that those words do not necessarily carry. The related adjective zealous describes a person or approach marked by this energetic commitment, while the noun zealot refers to someone whose devotion may become fanatical. Overall, zeal is useful for describing motivation that is forceful and conspicuous rather than merely casual.
nounZeal is enthusiastic devotion or passionate interest in a cause, activity, or person. It can also describe intense and sometimes excessive eagerness in pursuing an objective.
- Enthusiastic devotion or passionate interest in a cause, activity, or person.
- Vigorous energy or eagerness in pursuing an objective.
- Excessive or fanatical enthusiasm, often viewed critically.
"She approached the project with a zeal that inspired everyone on the team."
"The volunteers showed remarkable zeal for cleaning up the neighborhood."
"His zeal for collecting maps soon became an all-consuming hobby."
The plural is standard but uncommon; it is especially used for distinct or competing commitments.
"The essay contrasts the political zeals of reformers and conservatives."
Zeal gave English not only devotion but jealousy: both trace their origins to the ancient Greek word for intense ardor.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Where does zeal come from?
Zeal entered English in the late Middle English period through Old French, from Latin zelus. Latin zelus came from Greek zēlos, a word associated with intense ardor, rivalry, or jealousy. The same root also lies behind jealous and jealousy, reflecting the historical connection between intense feeling and suspicion of another person's attachments.
Related word forms
How zeal is actually used
Zeal is common in both formal and informal writing. It is often approving when it suggests energetic commitment, but it can be critical when it implies excessive, fanatical, or unbalanced enthusiasm.
Easily confused with zeal
Zeal is the feeling of passionate devotion, whereas a zealot is a person who displays intense or fanatical commitment to a belief.