Vocabulary
Zeal meaning: energetic commitment to a purpose
Some people enjoy a task. Others throw themselves into it with unusual energy. Zeal names that strong commitment.
Use zeal to describe strong, energetic commitment to an idea, activity, or purpose.
Read and practice
Read the examples and try the written questions in this guide. Listening recordings are not available for this lesson yet.
Try the written questions
zeal /ziːl/
The short answer
Zeal means great energy and enthusiasm for a purpose or activity.
She approached the research project with zeal.
Why it works: Her effort is energetic and strongly committed.
3 more examples
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The new volunteer worked with zeal throughout the campaign.
The volunteer gave the work energetic, committed effort.
Not this:The new volunteer
worked with interestthroughout the campaign. What changes: Interest shows attention, but zeal suggests stronger energy and commitment. -
His zeal for learning new languages kept him practicing every day.
The phrase connects strong enthusiasm to a continuing activity.
Not this:His
habit of learningnew languages kept him practicing every day. What changes: A habit is regular behavior. Zeal explains the strong feeling and energy behind it. -
The manager praised the team's zeal but asked them to check the details carefully.
Zeal is positive here, though the sentence also warns against rushing.
Not this:The manager praised
the team's speedbut asked them to check the details carefully. What changes: Speed concerns how quickly people act. Zeal concerns their energetic commitment.
Read the full guide
Use zeal when the amount of commitment matters. It is stronger and more formal than ordinary interest.
Start with strong commitment
Zeal means more than liking something. A person with zeal puts eager energy into a goal or activity.
The students prepared for the debate with zeal.
Use zeal as a noun
Say work with zeal, show zeal for a cause, or speak with zeal. Do not normally use zeal as an adjective before a noun.
Her zeal for public health led her to organize the event.
Compare zeal and enthusiasm
Enthusiasm is a common word for eager interest. Zeal is more formal and often suggests a deeper commitment to a purpose or belief.
The audience showed enthusiasm for the concert. The organizer showed zeal for improving access to music lessons.
Notice the possible warning
Zeal is usually positive, yet context can make it critical. Excessive zeal means that someone is so eager that they may ignore good judgment or other people's needs.
In his zeal to finish early, he skipped an important safety check.
Choose zeal in context
A colleague believes strongly in a project and spends extra time helping it succeed. Is zeal a good choice?
Yes. Zeal fits because the colleague's commitment is active and unusually energetic.
Before you go
Remember this
Use zeal for energetic commitment to a purpose or activity. It is a formal noun, often used with with, for, or in phrases about work, study, and causes.
Practice with the written examples
You can practice with the written questions in the Learn tab. Each answer includes an explanation.
Try the written questionsListening test not available yet
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Try the written questionsQuestions about "Zeal meaning: energetic commitment to a purpose"
What does zeal mean?
Zeal means great energy and enthusiasm for a purpose, activity, belief, or cause.
The new volunteer worked with zeal throughout the campaign.
Is zeal positive or negative?
Zeal is usually positive because it describes dedication. Excessive zeal can be negative when eagerness leads to poor judgment.
The new volunteer worked with interest throughout the campaign.
What is the difference between zeal and enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm is common eager interest. Zeal is more formal and often suggests stronger commitment to a purpose or belief.
His zeal for learning new languages kept him practicing every day.
How can I use zeal in a sentence?
Use phrases such as work with zeal, show zeal for a cause, or approach a task with zeal.
His habit of learning new languages kept him practicing every day.
How do you pronounce zeal?
Zeal is pronounced /ziːl/. It has one syllable and rhymes with feel.
The manager praised the team's zeal but asked them to check the details carefully.
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