zeal

Definition

The fervour or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest.

Etymology

From Middle English zele, from Old French zel, from Late Latin zēlus, from Ancient Greek ζῆλος (zêlos, “zeal, jealousy”), from Proto-Indo-European *yeh₂- (“to search”). Related to jealous.

Example Sentences

• "She extols the virtues of veganism with missionary zeal."
• "I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge."
• "Zeal, the blind conductor of the will"

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