Definition of ZEAL

zeal

Plural: zeals

Noun

  • Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of an objective.
  • a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause)
    • "he felt a kind of religious zeal"
  • excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end
    • "he had an absolute zeal for litigation"
  • prompt willingness
    • "they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority"
  • The fervour or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest.
  • A person who exhibits such fervour or tireless devotion.
  • The collective noun for a group of zebras.

Examples

  • Her ZEAL for finding high-scoring words was evident in every turn.
  • She extols the virtues of veganism with missionary zeal.

Origin / 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.

Antonyms

apathy

Scrabble Score: 13

zeal: valid Scrabble (US) TWL Word
zeal: valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
zeal: valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 14

zeal: valid Words With Friends Word