zeal

USAGE SUMMARY

'zeal' is a correct and usable word in written English.
You can use it to refer to a strong enthusiasm for something. For example: She worked with zeal to finish the project on time.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

If any of the locals were in any doubt, posters declaring that "Tourism is everybody's business" remind them just how vital the industry is, while hotels take the message into local primary schools with evangelical zeal.

The Guardian - Travel

Again, for reasons of local pride (stotties), laziness (toast) or misplaced creative zeal (bagels, corn bread, crumpets etc)., many chefs cannot resist tinkering here.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Boyle's comments place him in the opposite corner from film-makers such as Avatar's James Cameron, who has embraced 3D with messianic zeal.

The Guardian - Film

But his progressive zeal had not survived his conversion from Liberal to Unionist and no one of authority within the party picked up the fallen flag of reform.

The Guardian - Opinion

The movement carried with it a palpable sense of moral righteousness, of egalitarian zeal - and the Roses were the most righteous of all: arrogant, anti-authoritarian, the embodiment of all that seemed bright and hopeful in British youth culture.

The Guardian - Music

Peter Hain had replaced John Hutton as secretary of state for work and pensions, which was a considerable downgrade so far as reforming zeal was concerned.

The Guardian - Opinion

The real divide, I sense, is between those who assume Britain needs radical voting change to shake up the system in favour of whatever it is they favour and those - sceptical about zeal – who think there's no situation so bad that idealists can't make it worse.

The Guardian

In its combination of true-life sensation, cosiness and campaigning zeal – it once, if I remember rightly, sent out an investigative reporter dressed as the Queen – Take a Break is the heir to an old and powerful tradition of popular journalism, one that today's red-tops too often neglect in pursuit of celebrity stories.

The Guardian

One of the results of your modernising zeal is that while the state has become invisibly more authoritarian, we all to some extent have become suspects.

The Guardian - Opinion

In their zeal to protect the Judeo-Christian legacy, they are ready to forsake what is most important in that legacy.

The Guardian

Yet Mr Miliband, in his zeal to mould a fairer sort of capitalism as signalled by his recent assault on household energy prices is at least threatening to provide an answer to that question (albeit not one the more businesslike Mr Balls shows much enthusiasm for).

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zeal" to convey a sense of energetic and committed enthusiasm, especially when describing dedication to a cause or ideal.

Common error

Avoid using "zeal" in contexts that require mild interest or casual enthusiasm; it implies a strong and fervent dedication that might be inappropriate for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The noun "zeal" functions as a descriptor of intense enthusiasm or devotion towards a specific cause, person, or ideal. Ludwig examples show its use in diverse contexts, from political reform to protecting a legacy, indicating a strong positive drive.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

14%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zeal" is a noun used to describe strong enthusiasm and devotion. Ludwig AI confirms it's grammatically correct and widely used, especially in news and formal business contexts. While alternatives like "enthusiasm" or "passion" exist, "zeal" carries a more intense connotation. When using it, ensure the context aligns with this strong emotional commitment. Avoiding overuse in mild situations is crucial. The term appears frequently in authoritative sources such as The Economist and The Guardian, further validating its proper usage in formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

enthusiasm

Implies a lively interest or excitement.

ardor

Implies a fervent passion or intense devotion, often associated with romantic or idealistic feelings.

fervor

Suggests a strong, often religious or political, enthusiasm and dedication.

fervency

Similar to fervor, implies deep and sincere enthusiasm.

passion

Denotes a strong and barely controllable emotion.

ardency

A less common synonym for ardor, suggesting fiery passion.

eagerness

Indicates an enthusiastic willingness or desire.

devotion

Emphasizes loyalty and dedication, often in a religious or personal context.

dedication

Highlights commitment and devotion to a cause or task.

intensity

Refers to the strength or force of feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "zeal" in a sentence?

You can use "zeal" to describe someone's enthusiastic dedication to a cause, for example: "She approached the project with great zeal." It emphasizes a strong and passionate commitment.

What's a good alternative to "zeal"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like "enthusiasm", "passion", or "fervor" to convey a similar sense of strong interest and dedication.

Is "zeal" formal or informal?

"Zeal" is generally considered a neutral to slightly formal term. It can be used in both professional and casual contexts, but it's more common in written or formal speech.

What distinguishes "zeal" from "enthusiasm"?

"Zeal" implies a more intense and fervent dedication than "enthusiasm". While enthusiasm suggests a lively interest, zeal suggests an almost unwavering commitment and passion.