zealous

USAGE SUMMARY

'zealous' is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adjective meaning eager, passionate, and enthusiastic. Example sentence: He was so zealous in his efforts to protect the environment that he was an inspiration to all.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

52 human-written examples

It seems the BBC was being a trifle zealous on Thursday and this morning – worrying that editors would subvert the rules by impishly inserting Olympic coverage from the Velodrome into items about the GDP figures.

The Guardian

4. Knocking wood I am a zealous knocker of wood.

The Guardian

Zealous pro-separatist comments in broken English claiming to be from western counties are very common, and there's a list of tropes we've learnt to look out for.

The Guardian - Opinion

Mentioning some of his weaker characteristics, including compulsive womanising, unimpressive aviation skills, childishness and egoism, often causes a rumpus during public debates where Saint-Ex fans are as zealous as religious fundamentalists.

The Guardian - Books

Despite the latest findings of continued police impunity, a Reuters investigation last year raised the possibility that the new authorities have occasionally been too zealous in prosecuting former officers, finding "serious flaws" in the case against a riot police commander accused of ordering the shooting protestors.

The Guardian

The country's zealous embrace of free-marketry has fuelled solid growth of 4-5% a year.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

8 human-written examples

But an over-zealous shop assistant apparently refused to the request for fear of violating his namesake's copyright.

The Guardian

Presumably it's the work of an over-zealous Ron Paul supporter.

The Guardian

Referring to "over-zealous behaviour", he said: "It's not for people within the parliamentary party to decide whether there is a contest or not".

The Guardian

Unlike the SEC, which is examining industry-wide behaviour, the NASD is (as usual) putting its energies into catching one firm, after which, precedent established, it can go after the others.Some at CSFB say that the bank is a victim of over-zealous regulators, spurred on by competition between the NASD and the SEC.

The Economist

And some of their abductors may have been over-zealous, rather than corrupt, cops.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "zealous" to describe someone who is not just enthusiastic, but also actively and intensely dedicated to a cause or belief. It's stronger than "enthusiastic" and implies a deep commitment.

Common error

Avoid using "zealous" in contexts where simple enthusiasm is meant. The word carries a connotation of fervor that can seem inappropriate or excessive if not genuinely warranted. Consider alternatives like "enthusiastic" or "eager" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "zealous" is as an adjective. It modifies nouns to describe someone or something as being full of zeal, fervor, or intense enthusiasm. This aligns with Ludwig's examples showcasing its descriptive use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Formal & Business

16%

Science

16%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zealous" is a grammatically correct and very common adjective used to describe intense enthusiasm and dedication. Ludwig AI confirms its appropriateness in various contexts. It's most frequently found in News & Media and Formal & Business writing, as illustrated by the numerous examples. While similar to words like "ardent" and "passionate", it carries a unique connotation of fervent commitment. Remember to use "zealous" when you want to emphasize a particularly strong dedication, and avoid overusing it in neutral situations where simple enthusiasm is sufficient.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ardent

Implies warmth and intensity of feeling; often used in romantic or idealistic contexts.

fervent

Suggests a passionate and sincere intensity, often in a religious or emotional context.

passionate

Emphasizes strong emotion and enthusiasm, applicable to a wide range of subjects.

enthusiastic

Highlights lively and cheerful interest, often implying excitement and optimism.

avid

Indicates a keen interest and dedication, often associated with hobbies or pursuits.

eager

Suggests a readiness and anticipation, implying a desire to do or experience something.

fanatical

Conveys extreme enthusiasm to the point of being obsessive or irrational.

dedicated

Implies commitment and devotion to a cause or task.

intense

Highlights the depth and strength of feeling or effort.

gung-ho

Informal term suggesting excessive enthusiasm and eagerness, sometimes perceived as naive.

FAQs

How to use "zealous" in a sentence?

You can use "zealous" to describe someone who is extremely enthusiastic or passionate about something. For example, "He was a zealous advocate for environmental protection."

What can I say instead of "zealous"?

You can use alternatives like "ardent", "fervent", or "passionate" depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Which is correct, "zealous" or "jealous"?

"Zealous" means enthusiastic or passionate, while "jealous" means envious or suspicious. They have completely different meanings and should not be confused.

What's the difference between "zealous" and "enthusiastic"?

"Zealous" implies a more intense and fervent passion than "enthusiastic". While both describe positive feelings, "zealous" suggests a deeper commitment and dedication.