Use zeal for sustained, intense enthusiasm and dedication — particularly when driven by belief, purpose, or principle. It is appropriate in formal and literary contexts. The related adjective is zealous; one who has excessive or uncompromising zeal is a zealot.
Zeal is a noun only — there is no verb form 'to zeal'. Pair it with verbs like 'approach with zeal', 'pursue with zeal', 'act with zeal', or use the preposition 'for': 'zeal for justice'.
From Middle English zel, from Old French zel or Medieval Latin zelus, from Late Latin zelus (fervor, jealousy), from Greek zēlos (ardor, rivalry, jealousy) — from a root meaning 'to boil, to seethe'. In ancient Greek, zēlos encompassed both passionate devotion and jealous rivalry. In Christian Latin, zelus became associated primarily with devout religious fervor. English borrowed the word primarily in the sense of ardent enthusiasm and devotion, which it has retained.
What does zeal mean?
Zeal means great energy, enthusiasm, and devotion applied in pursuit of a cause, goal, or belief. It implies a more intense and driven commitment than ordinary enthusiasm — 'she pursued the cause with zeal' suggests passion, energy, and focused dedication. Note: zeal is a noun only; there is no verb form.
What is the difference between zeal and enthusiasm?
Both describe energetic engagement, but zeal is more intense, more sustained, and often implies a deeper personal or moral commitment. Enthusiasm can be spontaneous and fleeting; zeal suggests a driven, persistent dedication to a purpose. Zeal also carries a slight formality that enthusiasm does not.
What is the difference between zeal and zealotry?
Zeal is positive: admirable energy and dedication. Zealotry is zeal taken to a harmful extreme — fanatical, uncompromising commitment that ignores reason or the rights of others. A zealot is someone who pursues a cause with this excessive, often intolerant intensity.
What are synonyms for zeal?
Synonyms include enthusiasm, fervor, ardor, passion, dedication, devotion, eagerness, commitment, intensity. Antonyms: apathy, indifference, lethargy, disinterest.
Where does the word zeal come from?
From Greek zēlos (ardor, jealousy, rivalry), from a root meaning 'to boil'. In ancient Greek, zēlos could mean both passionate devotion and jealous rivalry. Via Late Latin zelus and Medieval Latin, it entered English with the primary meaning of fervent enthusiasm and devotion.