Word of the day · 22 June 2026
zealous
/ˈzɛləs/
adjective
Filled with strong, energetic support for a person, cause or ideal.
In a sentence
- A zealous volunteer arrived before dawn to set up chairs.
- Zealous fans filled the plaza hours before the doors opened.
- Her zealous defense of the rule left little room for exceptions.
In an image
Origin
From Greek zēlos (ardor, rivalry), via Latin and later English zeal; zealous formed as the adjective.
History
Zeal once sat close to religious fervor and later widened to politics, sport and work. Zealous praise marks intense loyalty; zealous criticism can warn of excess. The related word jealous shares a distant root but now means envy or protective mistrust. Keep zealous for ardent support.
Nearby words
ardent · fervent · eager
Heat of commitment that can inspire or overreach.