Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Zealousness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🔥
Add to dictionary

zealousness

[ˈzɛləsnəs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

showing strong enthusiasm or devotion

Zealousness is the quality of being fervent, passionate, or dedicated in pursuing something.

Synonyms

ardor, diligence, enthusiasm, passion.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

arrow down
Word Description / Examples
zealousness

Zealousness is best used when describing someone's intense fervor and commitment, often in relation to their duties or beliefs. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation if the intensity is seen as overbearing or excessive.

  • Her zealousness in promoting the project won her many admirers and a few detractors.
enthusiasm

Enthusiasm is a general term for strong excitement or eagerness about something. It is positive and can be used in a wide range of contexts.

  • His enthusiasm for learning new languages made him a quick and eager student.
passion

Passion is ideal for describing intense emotion or feeling, especially when it comes to love, hobbies, or personal interests. It can also be used to convey a strong commitment to something.

  • Her passion for painting was evident in every brushstroke of her work.
diligence

Diligence should be used when referring to a person's careful and persistent work or effort, often in a professional or academic context. It denotes thoroughness and conscientiousness.

  • With great diligence, she reviewed every detail of the report before submitting it.
ardor

Ardor is suitable for describing strong feelings of love or enthusiasm for someone or something. It often has a poetic or romantic nuance.

  • The young couple's ardor was evident in their constant affection for one another.

Examples of usage

  • He approached his work with great zealousness, always striving for excellence.
  • Her zealousness for environmental conservation inspired others to take action.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Zealousness can drive people to achieve great things, but it can also lead to burnout if not balanced with self-care.
  • Excessive zeal might sometimes cause conflict, as not everyone shares the same passion or intensity.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, zealousness is celebrated as a sign of loyalty and dedication, while in others, it may be viewed with suspicion if it goes too far.
  • Historical figures in religious movements are often depicted as zealous leaders, inspiring both devotion and dissent.

Literature

  • Many literary characters are marked by their zealousness, often driving the plot forward, such as Don Quixote's passionate pursuit of chivalry.
  • Classic narratives frequently explore the balance between zeal and madness, questioning the line between fervor and folly.

Pop Culture

  • In movies, characters with zealousness often play the role of protagonists or anti-heroes, driven by strong beliefs, like the relentless passion seen in sports films.
  • Musical artists often convey themes of zealousness in their lyrics, celebrating passion and dedication to love, ambition, or art.

Origin of 'zealousness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'zealous' comes from the Greek word 'zelos,' which means intense and passionate dedication.
  • It was first used in the English language in the 14th century, often describing fervent religious devotion.

The word 'zealousness' originated from the Middle English word 'zelosnes' which came from the Old French 'zelosnes'. It is derived from the Latin word 'zelus' meaning 'zeal' or 'ardor'. The concept of zealousness has been present in various cultures throughout history, often associated with strong devotion or enthusiasm towards a cause or belief.

See also: zeal, zealot, zealotry, zealous.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,388, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.