View synonyms for zealous

zealous

[ zel-uhs ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

full of, characterized by, or due to zeal; ardently active, devoted, or diligent.
Synonyms: warm, passionate, intense, fervent, fervid, eager, enthusiastic
Antonyms: lackadaisical, apathetic

zealous

/ ˈzɛləs /

Origin of zealous¹

First recorded in 1520–30; from Medieval Latin zēlōsus; zeal, -ous

These labels matter, but so does our over-zealous urge to dole them out and endlessly dwell on them.

Americans have a right to fear over-zealous and unwarranted surveillance by the NSA.

The extremely zealous President Kevin Baugh has been issuing war bonds to raise funds in case fighting becomes necessary.

Zealous populist patriots might pal around on principle, but banding together effectively is another matter.

Some of them were brought up in the faith; some are zealous converts.

He was so zealous a partisan of democracy, and of Cromwell, that the authorities frequently placed him in a straight jacket.

Paul Egede died, aged 81; author of an Account of Greenland, and a zealous missionary there.

He found himself among kinsmen who were zealous Roman Catholics.

Vernon was a zealous Whig, and not personally unacceptable to the chiefs of his party.

But, though Portland was an unreasonable and querulous friend, he was a most faithful and zealous minister.

Browse