What does zealous mean?
Zealous is an adjective describing someone who approaches a cause, task, or interest with intense enthusiasm and devotion. It often appears in phrases such as “zealous supporter” or “zealous advocate,” and it can convey admiration for a person's energetic commitment. The word may also carry a mildly critical implication, suggesting that the person is unusually forceful, single-minded, or perhaps overly enthusiastic. Zealous is used in both British and American English and is especially common in formal and journalistic contexts. Its historical links to words including zeal, zealot, and jealous reflect the idea of strong emotion or passion. Compared with enthusiastic, which is broadly positive and often light in tone, zealous generally presents a more vigorous and committed kind of eagerness. It is useful when describing dedication that goes beyond ordinary interest.
adjectiveShowing great enthusiasm, energy, or devotion to a cause, activity, or person. It can also suggest that such enthusiasm is excessive or overly forceful.
- Intensely enthusiastic, committed, or devoted to a cause, pursuit, or person.
"The campaigner became a zealous advocate for improving access to clean water."
"She was zealous in her efforts to preserve the historic building."
"The volunteers were zealous supporters of the new community garden."
Zealous and jealous share a family resemblance: both trace their roots to the Greek word zēlos, meaning zeal or jealousy, so the same ancient passion can suggest either fierce enthusiasm or envious resentment.
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of zealous
Zealous entered English during the 16th century, derived from the Latin zelus, meaning zeal, jealousy, or strong emotion. Latin zelus was borrowed from the Greek zēlos, an equally ancient source for related words such as zeal, zealot, zealotry, and jealous. The word originally carried the sense of strongly motivated or jealous before settling into its modern association with energetic devotion to a cause.
Related word forms
How zealous is actually used
Generally formal and often approving, though it can be used critically to imply excessive or obsessive enthusiasm. It is common in journalism, academic writing, and public discourse.
Easily confused with zealous
Zealous means intensely enthusiastic or devoted, whereas jealous means feeling envy or possessiveness, especially concerning a person or relationship.