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Zealot Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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zealot

[ˈzɛlət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

religious fanaticism

A zealot is a person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals.

Synonyms

extremist, fanatic, radical.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
zealot

Used to describe someone who is fervently devoted to a cause, often with strong emotional investment. While sometimes viewed negatively, it can also be neutral, expressing strong dedication.

  • He was a zealot for environmental conservation, attending every rally and meeting.
fanatic

Commonly used to describe someone with obsessive enthusiasm for a particular activity, belief, or concept. Can be negative or neutral depending on the context, often highlighting an irrational or excessive commitment.

  • She is a fitness fanatic, spending hours at the gym every day.
extremist

Used to describe someone who holds extreme views not widely accepted by the majority. It generally has negative connotations and implies a willingness to employ drastic measures.

  • The government is concerned about the influence of political extremists on social media.
radical

Used to describe someone who seeks fundamental change in society or its systems. It can be neutral or negative, depending on whether the desired changes are viewed positively or disruptively.

  • He was a radical thinker, proposing ideas that challenged the status quo.

Examples of usage

  • The zealot refused to listen to any opposing viewpoints.
  • She was known as a zealot for her extreme beliefs.
  • The zealot's actions were driven by a fervent passion for his cause.
Context #2 | Noun

enthusiasm or fervor

A zealot can also refer to a person who is zealous or enthusiastic about a particular cause or belief.

Synonyms

advocate, enthusiast, passionate supporter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
zealot

This word is used when describing someone who has extreme, and sometimes fanatical, commitment to a cause or belief, often with a negative connotation.

  • He was seen as a zealot who would stop at nothing to achieve his goal
  • The zealots of the movement were often uncompromising in their demands
enthusiast

This term describes a person with a keen interest or strong liking for a particular activity, subject, or hobby. It is generally neutral and positive.

  • He is a sports enthusiast who watches every game
  • As a music enthusiast, she attends many concerts
passionate supporter

Use this phrase to describe someone who has a strong, emotional commitment to a person, cause, or team, often seen in a positive light.

  • She is a passionate supporter of animal rights
  • He is a passionate supporter of his local football team
advocate

Use this word to describe someone who actively supports a cause or policy, often by speaking out and campaigning on its behalf. This word has a professional and neutral tone.

  • She is an advocate for environmental protection
  • The lawyer acted as an advocate for the rights of the poor

Examples of usage

  • He was a zealot for environmental conservation.
  • Her zealotry for animal rights was unmatched.
  • The team was fueled by the zealot of their coach.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • The Zealots were notably active during the First Jewish-Roman War, advocating for Jewish independence.
  • Zealotry has often appeared throughout history during times of social upheaval, reflecting deep convictions.
  • Individuals labeled as zealots can sometimes be key figures in revolutions but also face harsh backlash.

Psychology

  • Zealotry may stem from a strong need for belonging, as people seek connection through shared beliefs.
  • Some psychologists argue that zealots often exhibit traits of confirmation bias, favoring information that supports their views.
  • Extreme passion can lead to tunnel vision, where one may ignore any contradictory evidence.

Pop Culture

  • In literature, characters depicted as zealots often drive conflict due to their unwillingness to compromise.
  • Films frequently portray zealots as antagonists, illustrating the extremes of belief systems.
  • Social media has amplified the voice of modern zealots, enabling passionate advocacy and, at times, divisive actions.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers often debate the ethics of zealotry, questioning whether unwavering commitment enhances or hinders societal progress.
  • Some view zealotry as a double-edged sword: capable of inspiring great change but also potentially leading to fanaticism.
  • The balance between passion and moderation is a key topic of discussion among those studying belief systems.

Origin of 'zealot'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Hebrew word 'zelot', meaning 'zealous'.
  • In the 1st century, there were a Jewish group called the Zealots who resisted Roman rule.
  • The word has evolved from a specific group to describe anyone with extreme dedication to a cause.

The word 'zealot' originated from the Greek word 'zelotes', which means 'emulator or zealous follower'. The term was initially used to refer to a member of a Jewish sect that opposed Roman rule in ancient Judea. Over time, the term evolved to represent anyone who is fervent or passionate about their beliefs.

See also: zeal, zealotry, zealous, zealousness.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #31,089 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.