Zealousness: meaning, definitions and examples

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 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 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 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 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.