WordValezealous
showing great energy and enthusiasm
fervently devoted to a cause
In more detail
1. (adjective) having or showing great enthusiasm and dedication to a cause or activity
2. (adjective) eager and willing to work hard for something you believe in
Examples
- 1. She was a zealous supporter of environmental protection, attending every meeting and organizing cleanup events.
- 2. The zealous volunteers worked tirelessly to build the new school in the village.
How to use zealous
Zealous describes intense enthusiasm and commitment, often with a positive connotation of determination and hard work. It differs from passionate by emphasizing active dedication and tireless effort rather than just emotional intensity. The word can occasionally carry a slightly cautionary tone when the commitment borders on excessive or narrow-minded.
Common phrases
- zealous advocate
- zealous supporter
- zealous effort
- zealous pursuit
- zealous in one's beliefs
- zealous about
Synonyms
enthusiastic · passionate · committed · dedicated · fervent
Opposites
apathetic · indifferent · unenthusiastic
Word family
zealously (adverb) · zealotry (noun) · zealot (noun)
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse zealous with jealous, which is a completely different word meaning envious or possessive.
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