Words / C2

ZEL-uh-s/ˈzeləs/

Zealous means showing great energy and eagerness, sometimes too much: a zealous intern, zealous in defence of. Enthusiastic is everyday and safer; zealot is the person (often fanatical). Jealous is envious — a classic mix-up. Zeal is the noun. Do not write zealous for “did the job”.

Meaning

Showing great energy and eagerness, sometimes too much.

Examples

• “A zealous intern cc’d the whole university on a draft embargo.”
• “A zealous cc to the whole university turned a draft embargo into news.”
• “Jealous is envy; zealous is fervour. A zealot is the noun at the fanatical end. Enthusiastic is the safer everyday twin.”

Good to know

Fervently eager (can overdo it). Noun: zeal. Person (strong): zealot. Mix-up: jealous. Everyday: enthusiastic. Not “competent”.

Near in meaning

enthusiastic

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