noun

zeal

/ziːl/ · say it: ZEEL

great energy and enthusiasm

In Emotions & Moods

In more detail

1. (noun) strong enthusiasm and eagerness to do something

2. (noun) energetic and determined effort in pursuing something

Examples

1. She attacked the project with great zeal.
2. His zeal for helping others made him volunteer every weekend.

How to use zeal

Zeal describes intense, often passionate commitment to a cause, belief, or goal, typically with a sense of determination and energy. It carries a stronger, more emotional tone than simple enthusiasm and often implies ideological or moral conviction. Unlike some synonyms, zeal can carry subtle negative connotations when excessive or misguided, as in 'religious zeal' or 'zealotry.'

Common phrases

religious zeal
missionary zeal
with great zeal
unbridled zeal
zealous pursuit

Synonyms

enthusiasm · fervor · passion · ardor · dedication

Opposites

apathy · indifference · lethargy

Word family

zealous (adjective) · zealously (adverb) · zealot (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes confuse zeal with zealot; zeal is the noun for enthusiasm, while a zealot is a person who shows excessive or fanatical zeal.

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