zeal

[zeel]

noun

fervor for a person, cause, or object; eager desire or endeavor; enthusiastic diligence; ardor.

Origin of zeal

1350–1400; Middle English zele < Late Latin zēlus < Greek zêlos

Related formszeal·less, adjectiveun·der·zeal, noun

Synonyms for zeal

intensity, passion.

Antonyms for zeal

apathy.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018

Related Words for zeals

perseverance, eagerness, zest, diligence, earnestness, ardor, gusto, warmth, intensity, determination, urgency, fervor, verve, sincerity, passion, fanaticism, spirit, devotion, inclination, readiness

Examples from the Web for zeals

Historical Examples of zeals

Yes, zeal without knowledge, I said—like most other zeals—if there were no objections that struck him at once, there were none.
Clarissa, Volume 4 (of 9)
Samuel Richardson
These two zeals are alike in externals, but altogether unlike in internals, 363.
The Delights of Wisdom Pertaining to Conjugial Love
Emanuel Swedenborg
Lacius wishes that Timon would give him and the rest an opportunity of expressing some part of their zeals.
Notes to Shakespeare, Volume III: The Tragedies
Samuel Johnson

British Dictionary definitions for zeals

zeal

noun

fervent or enthusiastic devotion, often extreme or fanatical in nature, as to a religious movement, political cause, ideal, or aspiration

Word Origin for zeal

C14: from Late Latin zēlus, from Greek zēlos

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for zeals

zeal

late 14c., from Late Latin zelus "zeal, emulation" (source of Old French zel, Italian zelo, Spanish celo), a Church word, from Greek zelos "zeal, ardor, jealousy," which is of uncertain origin.