DictionaryAI

zeal

noun
SayZEEL/zil/UK/ziːl/

Pluralzeals (some meanings)

3 meanings of zeal

Practice

  1. 1
    enthusiasmnoununcountable
    Great energy and eagerness for a person, cause or idea that you believe in and work hard for.

    She cleaned the whole house with great zeal.

    He joined the campaign with real zeal and knocked on every door in town.

    UsageSay with great zeal or zeal for something.

    Similarenthusiasm, passion, eagerness, ardour, intensity

    Oppositeapathy

    Note
  2. 2
    zebra groupnouncollectivecountable
    A group of zebras.

    Our guide pointed out a zeal of zebras near the trees.

    A group of zebras is called a zeal.

    UsageMost people say a herd of zebras.

    Similarherd, dazzle

  3. 3
    nounobsoletecountable
    A person who cares very strongly about a cause and works hard for it.

    Similarzealot

    Note

Practice

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Origin

From a Greek word meaning both "zeal" and "jealousy"; it is related to jealous.

Checked 1 Nov 2026 · 2 facts

  • Zeal derives ultimately from Ancient Greek ζῆλος, meaning both ‘zeal’ and ‘jealousy’. en.wiktionary.org
  • Zeal is etymologically related to jealous. en.wiktionary.org