zealous person

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "zealous person" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone who is fervently passionate or enthusiastic about a cause or activity. Example: "She is a zealous person when it comes to advocating for environmental conservation."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

A warm and kind person and a zealous supporter of Israel and the Technion, Mrs. Dresher, together with her husband Max, of blessed memory, provided generous support for numerous ATS endeavors as members of the Chicago and Palm Beach Chapters.

The New York Times

I've only met one other person with that same zealous inquisitiveness about everything under the sun, and that is the director Peter Brook.

The Guardian

That within an hour after hearing the Zimmerman verdict over breakfast, I should hear this reading; a story in stark contrast to Zimmerman's behavior, a person who in his zealous righteousness failed to show a young teenage kid even a modicum of mercy -- the smallest bit of neighborly love.

Huffington Post

The lives of the skinheads are so nasty and brutish that it seems hard to imagine that any young person, however alienated or ideologically zealous, would want to go near them.

The New York Times

A well-known California vigilante in the 1850s, Baker was described by Gideon Welles, the secretary of the Navy, as "wholly unreliable, regardless of character and the rights of persons, incapable of discrimination, and zealous to do something sensational".

The New York Times

If one retreats to its early use in the English language, then we find that as a noun partisan appears as early as the 16th century as the OED reads: "An adherent or proponent of a party, cause, person, etc.; esp. a devoted or zealous supporter; in early use esp.

Huffington Post

Although some of this conduct may be attributable to winning for the sake of winning, I suspect that it is not motivated by evil, but rather that the zealous prosecutors involved are so convinced of the person's guilt that the temptation to assure a conviction may motivate incidents of misconduct.

Huffington Post

Condorcet was the friend of almost all the distinguished persons of his time and a zealous propagator of the progressive views then current among French literati.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He was a zealous advocate of material progress based on individual enterprise and free trade.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In our zealous pursuit of fairness, we have banished our urges to like one person more than another, one thing over another, hiding them away as dirty secrets of our humanity.

Huffington Post

In fact, the tooth surface when softened by acids from food and beverage is more vulnerable to damage by tooth brushing, especially when a person uses an abrasive toothpaste and has an improper or over-zealous brushing technique.

BMC Oral Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "zealous person", ensure that the context clearly indicates the object of their zeal. For example, specify "a zealous person for environmental causes" rather than simply "a zealous person."

Common error

Avoid using "zealous" excessively when describing someone with purely positive attributes. While zeal implies enthusiasm, it can also suggest fanaticism or excessive fervor. Consider alternatives like "enthusiastic", "dedicated", or "passionate" for a more balanced tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "zealous person" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. It combines the adjective "zealous", meaning enthusiastic or passionate, with the noun "person" to describe an individual characterized by zeal. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Science

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "zealous person" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe someone with intense enthusiasm or dedication. Ludwig AI considers the phrase correct and usable in written English. While the frequency of the phrase is relatively rare, it is widely applicable across different contexts, like news, encyclopedias and science. When using "zealous person", clarity is key; specifying the focus of the zeal enhances understanding. Alternatives such as "ardent individual" or "passionate advocate", may be more appropriate depending on the context. Be mindful of the potential for "zealous" to imply fanaticism and adjust your word choice accordingly.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

ardent individual

Emphasizes the passion and intensity of the person's feelings.

enthusiastic devotee

Highlights dedication and commitment, often to a particular cause or belief.

passionate advocate

Focuses on the person's role as a supporter and promoter of something.

fervent believer

Stresses the depth and strength of the person's convictions.

dedicated supporter

Highlights the person's commitment and loyalty.

committed individual

Focuses on dedication to a particular goal or principle.

devoted enthusiast

Combines dedication with a sense of excitement and pleasure.

staunch proponent

Emphasizes unwavering support and advocacy.

eager activist

Highlights proactive involvement and enthusiasm for a cause.

intense zealot

Carries a slightly stronger connotation of unwavering and potentially extreme dedication. Use with caution.

FAQs

How can I use "zealous person" in a sentence?

You can use "zealous person" to describe someone who is fervently enthusiastic about something. For example, "She is a "zealous person" when it comes to advocating for animal rights" or "He was a "zealous person" in his pursuit of scientific knowledge".

What are some synonyms for "zealous person"?

Alternatives to "zealous person" include "ardent individual", "enthusiastic devotee", or "passionate advocate", depending on the context.

Is it always positive to describe someone as a "zealous person"?

While "zealous" often implies positive enthusiasm, it can also suggest excessive or fanatical behavior. It's essential to consider the context. Describing someone as a "fervent believer" might be a better fit in certain scenarios.

What's the difference between a "zealous person" and an "enthusiastic person"?

While both terms describe someone with a positive attitude, "zealous" suggests a more intense and unwavering commitment, while "enthusiastic" implies a general excitement and interest. An "eager activist", for example, might be zealous about their cause, demonstrating dedication beyond simple enthusiasm.