zeal, n.

zeal
http://www.oed.com/dictionary/zeal_n%3Ftab%3Dmeaning_and_use
Revised 2018

# zealnoun

## Earlier version

- zeal, n. in OED Second Edition (1989)

## In other dictionaries

- zēl(e, n. in Middle English Dictionary

## Factsheet

### What does the noun zeal mean?

There are eight meanings listed in OED's entry for the noun zeal, five of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

### How common is the noun zeal?

About 5occurrences per million words in modern written English

1750 | 59
1760 | 63
1770 | 73
1780 | 74
1790 | 74
1800 | 72
1810 | 72
1820 | 69
1830 | 64
1840 | 57
1850 | 49
1860 | 41
1870 | 34
1880 | 29
1890 | 25
1900 | 20
1910 | 17
1920 | 14
1930 | 12
1940 | 11
1950 | 9.8
1960 | 8.8
1970 | 7.2
1980 | 5.4
1990 | 4.7
2000 | 4.7
2010 | 4.9

### How is the noun zeal pronounced?

#### British English

/ziːl/
zeel

#### U.S. English

/zil/
zeel

### Where does the noun zeal come from?

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the noun zeal is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for zeal is from before 1382, in Bible (Wycliffite, early version).

zeal is of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.

Etymons: French zele; Latin zēlus.

### Nearby entries

1. zazzy, adj. 1961–
2. Z band, n. 1950–
3. ZBB, n. 1976–
4. Z-bed, n. 1973–
5. Z-car, n. 1961–
6. Z-day, n. 1925–
7. Z-DNA, n. 1979–
8. ze, pron. 1864–
9. zea, n. 1562–
10. zeagonite, n. 1823–
11. zeal, n.a1382–
12. zeal, v. 1542–1687
13. Zealander, n.¹ 1663–
14. Zealander, n.² 1773–
15. Zealandic, adj. 1807–
16. Zealandish, adj. 1684–
17. zealator, n. a1464–
18. zeal-blind, adj. 1615–1898
19. zeal-consuming, adj. 1629–1882
20. zealed, adj. 1679–1903
21. zealer, n.?a1450–1673

## Etymology

### Summary

Of multiple origins. Partly a borrowing from French. Partly a borrowing from Latin.
Etymons: French zele; Latin zēlus.
< (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French zel, zele (French zèle) fervour, passionate enthusiasm for a cause (14th cent.; frequently in religious contexts), passionate love or care on the part of God (15th…
< (i) Anglo-Norman and Middle French zel, zele (French zèle) fervour, passionate enthusiasm for a cause (14th cent.; frequently in religious contexts), passionate love or care on the part of God (15th cent.),

and its etymon (ii) classical Latin zēlus jealousy, rivalry, emulation, in post-classical Latin also fervour (Vulgate) < ancient Greek ζῆλος jealousy, eager rivalry, emulation, pride, honour, glory, in Hellenistic Greek also fervour (Septuagint, New Testament), spirit < the same Indo-European base as (with different suffix) ancient Greek ζῆτειν to seek, inquire (compare zetetic adj.).

### Notes

Compare Old Occitan zel, Catalan zel, Spanish celo, Italian zelo (all 13th cent.), Portuguese zelo (13th cent. as ceo).
Specific senses
In sense 1 frequently after post-classical Latin zelus or its etymon ancient Greek ζῆλος, in biblical contexts often after Hebrew qin'āh ardour, passionate love, jealousy (compare jealousy n. 4c).
In sense 5 after zealot n.
Specific forms
The β and γ forms reflect reverse spellings in Older Scots; compare discussion at Z n. and Y n.

## Meaning & use

1. 1.
   Passion, fervour; vehemence of feeling.
   1. 1.a.
      a1382–
      In Biblical language, as an attribute of God: passionate love or care which will tolerate no unfaithfulness or disobedience. Cf. jealousy n. 4c, jealous adj. 4c.
      1. (a1382)

         > The zeel [a1425 L.V. feruent loue, 1535 Coverdale gelousy; Latin zelus] of the Lord of hoostis schal done that.

         Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Douce MS. 370) (1850) 4 Kings xix. 31
         [Composed a1382]
      2. 1531

         > These thinges shall the zele of the lorde of hostes thus bringe to passe, wherfore thus promyseth the lorde, as touchinge kynge Assyrye.

         G. Joye, translation of Prophete Isaye xxxvii. sig. viv
      3. 1611

         > They shal know that I the Lord haue spoken it in my zeale, when I haue accomplished my fury in them.

         Bible (King James) Ezekiel v. 13
      4. a1653

         > The zeale of God is that most earnest loue which he hath for his owne glory and the well of his Church.

         Z. Boyd, Sel. Serm. (1989) iii. 75
      5. 1785

         > You ye blest People who his will obey, To whom this great salvation in his zeal The God of Gods himself, Jehovah shall reveal.

         G. Butt, Isaiah Versified viii. 42
      6. 1878

         > Men do not perceive the hand of the Lord already lifted up for judgment. But they shall one day perceive it when God's zeal will display itself.

         S. T. Lowrie & D. Moore, translation of C. W. E. Nägelsbach, Prophet Isaiah 287/1 in P. Schaff et al., translation of J. P. Lange et al. Comm. Holy Script.: Old Testament vol. XI.
      7. 1886

         > The devouring of the whole earth with the Fire of God's zeal.

         C. T. Russell, Millennial Dawn vol. I. xv. 315
      8. 1954

         > This task is to be performed through the zeal of Yahweh of Hosts: Yahweh Himself will..establish justice.

         G. W. Anderson, translation of S. Mowinckel, He that Cometh i. iv. 107
      9. 2014

         > God's zeal, as well as his wrath, are characterized by love.

         C. C. Simut, Baur's Synthesis of Böhme & Hegel i. ii. 98
      religion
      1. zeal a1382–
         Passion, fervour; vehemence of feeling. In Biblical language, as an attribute of God: passionate love or care which will tolerate no unfaithfulness…
      2. suspending 1483
         = suspension, n. I.7. Obsolete.
      3. rapture 1598–
         As a mass noun: transport of mind, mental exaltation or absorption, ecstasy; (now esp.) ecstatic delight or joy.
      4. zealotism 1645–
         Behaviour or belief characteristic of a zealot (zealot, n. A.3); zealotry.
      5. ecstasy a1652–
         Used by mystical writers as the technical name for the state of rapture in which the body was supposed to become incapable of sensation, while the…
      6. fanaticism 1652–
         The tendency to indulge in wild and extravagant notions, esp. in religious matters; excessive enthusiasm, frenzy; an instance, a particular form, of…
      7. suspension 1669
         An ecstasy of contemplation. Obsolete. rare.
      8. fanatism 1680–1800
         = fanaticism, n.
      9. rapturousness a1687–
         The state or quality of being rapturous.
      10. religionism 1706–
          Excessive inclination to religion; marked or affected religious zeal.
      11. rapturation 1792–1814
          = rapture, n. 1.
      12. samadhi 1795–
          The state of union with creation into which a perfected yogi or holy man is said to pass at his apparent death.
      13. Schwärmerei 1845–
          Religious zeal, fanaticism, extravagant enthusiasm for a cause or a person; an erotic attachment, esp. of one woman or adolescent girl for another…
      14. seraphism 1846–
          Ecstatic devotion.
      15. ecstasis 1874–
          = ecstasy, n. 2, 3.
      16. mania 1886–
          Inspired frenzy or madness. rare.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 1.b.
      a1425–1700
      † With reference to a person: intense or powerful emotion; strong, ardent, or overpowering feeling, often of a negative kind (as envy, extreme anger, excessive rivalry, etc.). Also: an instance of this. Obsolete.
      1. a1425 (c1384)

         > The north, where the idol of zele [Latin zeli], or enuye, was set.

         Bible (Wycliffite, early version) (Corpus Christi Oxford MS.) (1850) Ezekiel viii. 3
         [Composed c1384]
      2. ?a1450

         > Somtyme zele is putte for enuy..also somtyme..for ire..: Wer..is zele and contencion..þer is vnstedfastenes and all schrewed werke.

         in C. von Nolcken, Middle English Translation of Rosarium Theology (1979) 104 (Middle English Dictionary)
      3. 1526

         > The dedes of the flesshe..hatred, lawynge, zele [1611 emulations, 1881 (R.V.) jealousies; Greek ζῆλος].

         Bible (Tyndale) Galatians v. 20
      4. 1535

         > Elias the prophet..brought an honger vpon them and in his zele he made them few in nombre.

         Bible (Coverdale) Ecclesiasticus xlviii. 2
      5. 1575

         > These kindes of anger are good, and are called in the scripture ielousies or zeales.

         T. Vautrollier, translation of M. Luther, Comm. Epist. to Galathians iii. 88
      6. 1604

         > Zeale (that is, envie, emulation or indignation) and anger shorten thy dayes.

         T. Wright, Passions of Minde (new edition) ii. iii. 63
      7. 1700

         > For my part, I don't apprehend the Reason of Mr. Vander Waeyen's Zeal, or to speak more plainly, of his excessive Anger against Mr. L. C. who never mention'd him in his Writings, that I know of, nor had any Quarrel with him.

         translation of J. Le Clerc, Parrhasiana 265
      1. zeal a1425–1700
         Passion, fervour; vehemence of feeling. With reference to a person: intense or powerful emotion; strong, ardent, or overpowering feeling, often of a…
      2. panic 1708
         gen. Strong, infectious, unreasoning feeling of any kind. Obsolete. rare.
      3. full-heartedness 1820–
         Wholehearted enthusiasm or commitment; (also) strong emotional investment.
      4. mirch 1985–
         figurative (in Indian English). Intensity of feeling; vigour, excitement; exaggeration or hyperbole, esp. used to spice up a news story. Often in…
      5. gigil 1990–
         An intense feeling caused by anger, eagerness, or the pleasure of seeing someone or something cute or adorable, typically physically manifested by…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. woodness Old English–
         Extravagant folly or recklessness; vehemence of passion or desire; wildness, infatuation. Cf. madness, n. 1.
      2. fury c1374–
         Fierce passion, disorder or tumult of mind approaching madness; esp. wild anger, frenzied rage; also, a fit or access of such passion.
      3. fertee c1380
         Fierceness.
      4. rage a1393–
         A violent feeling, passion, or appetite. Also: violence, intensity, or height (of a feeling, appetite, etc.).
      5. violence a1393–
         Vehemence or intensity of emotion, behaviour, or language; extreme fervour; passion.
      6. excess 1423–1818
         ‘Violence of passion’ (Johnson); extravagant or rapturous feeling; unrestrained manifestation of grief. Obsolete.
      7. zeal a1425–1700
         Passion, fervour; vehemence of feeling. With reference to a person: intense or powerful emotion; strong, ardent, or overpowering feeling, often of a…
      8. vehemence 1445–
         Great or excessive passion; eagerness or fervour of personal feeling, action, expression, etc.; passionate force, intensity, or excitement.
      9. extremity 1509–1669
         Extreme or inordinate intensity or violence (of passion, action, suffering, labour, etc.); an instance of this; a violent outburst. Obsolete.
      10. franticness a1529–
          The state or condition of being frantic.
      11. vehemency 1534–
          Force or intensity of personal feeling, action, expression, etc.; = vehemence, n. 1a. Also occasionally: an instance of this; = vehemence, n. 1b.
      12. wildness c1540–
          Unrestrained condition or quality; want of, resistance to, or freedom from restraint or control (with… Frenzy, distraction; distracted air or aspect…
      13. impotency?1541–1726
          Lack of self-restraint; lack of moderation or control of emotions. Also with a phrase introduced by of, indicating the emotion which is…
      14. violent 1576–1659
          A violent emotion or feeling. Also: a violent act. Usually in plural. Obsolete.
      15. distraughture 1594
          By-form of distracture, n., distraction.
      16. distraught 1610
          = distraction, n.
      17. distraction a1616–
          Violent perturbation or disturbance of mind or feelings, approaching to temporary madness. to distraction: to a degree which exemplifies or amounts…
      18. distractedness?1617–
          The condition of being distracted.
      19. entrancement 1637–
          The action of entrance, v.; the state or condition of being entranced. Also: an instance of this.
      20. distractfulness a1640
      21. impotence a1640–1861
          Lack of self-restraint; lack of moderation or control of emotions. Also with a phrase introduced by of, indicating the emotion which is uncontrolled…
      22. transportment 1639–86
          Vehement emotion, passion; rapture, ecstasy: = transport, n. 3.
      23. transportedness a1656–
      24. whirl 1707–
          A confused, disturbed, distracted, or dizzy state of mind or feeling.
      25. rave 1765–
          The action or an act of raving; a fit of madness, delirium, or (in extended use) great excitement; a frenzy.
      26. Sturm und Drang 1857–
          = storm and stress at storm, n. I.3d.
      27. storm and stress 1879–
          figurative and in figurative context. storm and stress: used to designate the movement in German literature about 1770–82, due to a school of…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   3. 1.c.
      c1450–1905
      † Ardent concern, affection, or love for a person or thing; devotion. Sometimes with to, toward. Obsolete. Chiefly archaic in later use.
      1. c1450 (c1415)

         > Crist..for þe gret zele and loue of man, shewed hym-selfe..as a pore childe.

         in W. O. Ross, Middle English Sermons (1940) 171 (Middle English Dictionary)
         [Composed c1415]
      2. 1461–2

         > The tender zele and naturall love that youre seid highnes bare unto the defence..of youre seid reame.

         Rolls of Parliament: Edward IV (Electronic edition) Parl. November 1461 §7. m. 2
      3. a1500

         > Haue þerfore first zeel [Latin Habe..zelum] to þiself, & þan maist þou haue zeel [Latin zelare poteris] to þi neiȝbore.

         translation of Thomas à Kempis, De Imitatione Christi (Trinity Dublin MS.) (1893) 43
      4. a1535

         > Hath the protectour so tender zele to him, that he fereth nothing but lest he should escape hym?

         T. More, History Richard III in Workes (1557) 50/1
      5. ?a1562

         > The Cardynall espieng the great zeale that the kyng had conceyved in this Gentill woman.

         G. Cavendish, Life Wolsey (1959) 36
      6. 1606

         > Demetryus..spared his life not for any zeale hee had toward him.

         G. W., translation of Justinus, Historie xxxv. 113
      7. 1685

         > I thought I had ground for those hopes, which..the zeal of my soul formed into wishes for her recovery.

         in F. P. Verney & M. M. Verney, Memoirs of Verney Family 17th Century (1907) vol. II. 403
      8. 1823

         > She thanked me..for my zeal to her, and our holy religion.

         E. Logan, St. Johnstoun vol. II. ii. 24
      9. 1905

         > There is nothing too high for thy virtues and thy zeal towards me to merit.

         W. S. Cramp, Psyche xv. 223
      archaic
      1. zeal c1450–1905
         Passion, fervour; vehemence of feeling. Ardent concern, affection, or love for a person or thing; devotion. Sometimes with to, toward. Obsolete…
      2. devotion a1530–
         The quality of being devoted to a person, cause, pursuit, etc., with an attachment akin to religious devotion; earnest addiction or application…
      3. addiction?1532–
         The state or condition of being dedicated or devoted to a thing, esp. an activity or occupation; adherence or attachment, esp. of an immoderate or…
      4. superstition 1637–40
         Extravagant quasi-religious devotion to a non-religious object. Obsolete. rare.
      5. addictedness 1641–
         The quality, state, or condition of being addicted; devotion, adherence, attachment, esp. of a compulsive kind; (also) an instance of this…
      View in Historical Thesaurus
2. 2.
   Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or dedicated pursuit of an objective. Also with disparaging implication: excessive or immoderate enthusiasm, devotion, or fervour. Frequently with for; formerly also with † of, to, unto, etc.
   In the late 16th and 17th centuries frequently used in Puritan discourse to express religious devotion and enthusiasm for reform, and hence used disparagingly by others to suggest excessive fervour or fanaticism; cf. sense 5 and Compounds.
   1. 2.a.
      a1413–
      As a count noun. Now somewhat rare.
      1. a1413 (c1385)

         > O moral Gower þis boke I directe To þe and the Philosophical Strode To vouchen sauf, per nede is to corecte Of your benygnitees and zeles.

         G. Chaucer, Troilus & Criseyde (Pierpont Morgan MS.) (1882) v. l. 1859
         [Composed c1385]
      2. c1460

         > I counseyle þe to haue a zele..forto seye hem [sc. prayers] dystynctly..so þat þi tonge be not in þe queere and þin hert in þe towne.

         Tree & 12 Frutes (McClean MS.) (1960) 19 (Middle English Dictionary)
      3. 1526

         > Many hath a good zele to perfection, whiche for lacke of this lyght..knoweth nat what is to be don.

         W. Bonde, Pylgrimage of Perfection iii. sig. OOiiii
      4. c1535

         > This angre and wraith was bot a weray zeill vnto the law of God.

         M. Nisbet, New Testament in Scots (1903) vol. II. 238 (margin)
      5. 1563

         > Such ar zeles without knowlege, and iudgement.

         J. Foxe, Actes & Monuments 1309/2
      6. 1625

         > I doe not finde, that those Zeales, doe any great Effects.

         F. Bacon, Essayes (new edition) 331
      7. 1653

         > Whereof (my Lords)..we..by your unwearied Zeals may..obtain the full..Fruition.

         Z. Coke, Art of Logick Epistle Ded. sig. A3v
      8. 1700

         > It would not be difficult to run the parallel between the Zeals of the two Religions.

         J. Sharp, 15 Serm. Several Occasions x. 261
      9. 1722

         > A Zeal of converting the neighboring Nations.

         translation of J. B. Müller, Manners & Customs of Ostiacks in translation of F. C. Weber, Present State of Russia vol. II. iv. 86
      10. 1810

          > My zeals, however, though never lasting, are always revivable.

          W. Taylor in J. W. Robberds, Memoir William Taylor (1843) vol. II. 288
      11. 1894

          > The enthusiasm of honor, the zeals and even extravagances of pure passion.

          Fortnightly Review 1 July 57
      12. 1949

          > The unquestioning beliefs, the creeds and rituals, and the crusading zeals of a religion.

          Law & Contemporary Probl. vol. 14 1
      13. 1991

          > Troubled and shadowed with misguided zeals and hates.

          P. D. Beidler, Re-writing Amer. 56
      1. jealouste a1382–82
         Jealousy; zeal.
      2. yeveroushead a1400
         Desire, eagerness.
      3. zeal a1413–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a count noun. Now somewhat rare.
      4. zeal c1425–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a mass noun.
      5. jealousy 1436–1565
         Zeal or vehemence of feeling in favour of a person or thing; devotion, eagerness, anxiety to serve. Obsolete.
      6. eagerness c1450–1678
         Impetuosity, fierceness. Obsolete.
      7. heartiness c1475–
         The quality or condition of being hearty (in various senses of the adjective).
      8. estudy 1483
         Care, desire, zeal; = study, n.
      9. fierceness 1533–
         Eagerness. †Const. to with infinitive.
      10. zealousness c1555–
          The quality of being zealous; zeal, enthusiasm.
      11. zealousy c1565–
          Zeal, zealousness.
      12. edge 1580–1867
          figurative and in extended use. Enthusiasm. Obsolete.
      13. warmth 1600–
          An excited or fervent state of the feelings; strength or glow of feeling; fervent or vehement character (of an expression, welcome, salute, etc.)…
      14. empressement 1709–
          Enthusiasm, effusiveness; animated display of friendliness.
      15. enthusiasm 1717–
          Originally: rapturous intensity of feeling in favour of a particular cause, principle, etc.; passionate eagerness or zeal in the pursuit of an…
      16. full-heartedness 1820–
          Wholehearted enthusiasm or commitment; (also) strong emotional investment.
      17. entrain 1847–
          Enthusiasm, liveliness; an instance of this.
      18. impressment 1854–
          Earnestness, ardour.
      19. fanaticism 1855–
          In a weaker sense: Eagerness or enthusiasm in any pursuit.
      20. keenness 1875–
          Intensity of feeling or action; eagerness, incisiveness.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. concupiscence c1384–
         With plural.
      2. zeal a1413–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a count noun. Now somewhat rare.
      3. rage 1594–
         A vehement passion or desire for (or †of) a thing. Also with after or infinitive.
      4. concupiscency 1608–31
         = concupiscence, n.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
   2. 2.b.
      c1425–
      As a mass noun.
      Now the usual sense.
      1. c1425

         > With zel of feith I brenne as doth þe glede, Of alle harmys to bidden ȝow be war.

         J. Lydgate, Troyyes Book (Augustus MS. A.iv) ii. l. 3168 (Middle English Dictionary)
      2. c1450

         > Who-so-euer haȝ..desyre wyth gud seele in doynge what he may to true conuersyon of other, [etc.].

         Speculum Christiani (Harley MS. 6580) (1933) 240 (Middle English Dictionary)
      3. 1555

         > By whose..godly zeale this myghtie portion of the worlde hath byn added to the flocke of Chrystes congregation.

         R. Eden in translation of Peter Martyr of Angleria, Decades of Newe Worlde Preface sig. aiij
      4. 1593

         > Inordinate Zeale is a pernitious Reformer.

         G. Harvey, Pierces Supererogation 106
      5. a1600 (1535)

         > His gude Lyfe and Maneris, and Zeill of Justice.

         W. Stewart, translation of H. Boece, Buik of Croniclis of Scotland (1858) vol. II. 535 (heading)
         [Composed 1535]
      6. 1611

         > Zeale to promote the common good.

         M. Smith in Bible (King James) Transl. to Reader sig. A3v
      7. 1641

         > They deride our worship, and zeale, as Michall did Davids.

         J. Jackson, True Evangelical Temper iii. 197
      8. c1660

         > Popular reformers, whose zeale has foolishly transported them in other places rather to act like madmen, then religious.

         J. Evelyn, Diary anno 1641 (1955) vol. II. 49
      9. 1774

         > This zeal will prove fatal to the fortune and felicity of my family... Colonel Otis's phrase is, ‘The zeal-pot boils over’.

         J. Adams in J. Adams & A. Adams, Familiar Letters (1876) 23
      10. 1797

          > In his ardent zeal for imitating the classical historians, the author has dropped all titles.

          Critical Review May 422
      11. 1816

          > With all the zeal Which young and fiery converts feel.

          Lord Byron, Siege of Corinth iv. 11
      12. 1860

          > He joined with his drinking propensities a great zeal for the Episcopal Church.

          E. B. Ramsay, Reminiscences of Scottish Life (ed. 6) v. 183
      13. 1920

          > He never permitted his zeal to carry him beyond the bounds of the strictest propriety.

          Virginia Law Register vol. 5 677
      14. 1960

          > The tendency for unscrupulous traders to exploit the competitive zeal of finance houses.

          Financial Times 5 January 3/7
      15. 2015

          > His superiors admired his zeal for the job and his no-nonsense ethic.

          P. McMichael, Klandestine ii. viii. 53
      1. jealouste a1382–82
         Jealousy; zeal.
      2. yeveroushead a1400
         Desire, eagerness.
      3. zeal a1413–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a count noun. Now somewhat rare.
      4. zeal c1425–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a mass noun.
      5. jealousy 1436–1565
         Zeal or vehemence of feeling in favour of a person or thing; devotion, eagerness, anxiety to serve. Obsolete.
      6. eagerness c1450–1678
         Impetuosity, fierceness. Obsolete.
      7. heartiness c1475–
         The quality or condition of being hearty (in various senses of the adjective).
      8. estudy 1483
         Care, desire, zeal; = study, n.
      9. fierceness 1533–
         Eagerness. †Const. to with infinitive.
      10. zealousness c1555–
          The quality of being zealous; zeal, enthusiasm.
      11. zealousy c1565–
          Zeal, zealousness.
      12. edge 1580–1867
          figurative and in extended use. Enthusiasm. Obsolete.
      13. warmth 1600–
          An excited or fervent state of the feelings; strength or glow of feeling; fervent or vehement character (of an expression, welcome, salute, etc.)…
      14. empressement 1709–
          Enthusiasm, effusiveness; animated display of friendliness.
      15. enthusiasm 1717–
          Originally: rapturous intensity of feeling in favour of a particular cause, principle, etc.; passionate eagerness or zeal in the pursuit of an…
      16. full-heartedness 1820–
          Wholehearted enthusiasm or commitment; (also) strong emotional investment.
      17. entrain 1847–
          Enthusiasm, liveliness; an instance of this.
      18. impressment 1854–
          Earnestness, ardour.
      19. fanaticism 1855–
          In a weaker sense: Eagerness or enthusiasm in any pursuit.
      20. keenness 1875–
          Intensity of feeling or action; eagerness, incisiveness.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
      1. goodwill Old English–
         Enthusiasm, eagerness, zeal; readiness, willingness. Usually in with (also †mid) (a) goodwill: enthusiastically, eagerly; readily, willingly.
      2. zeal c1425–
         Passionate enthusiasm for or dedication to a cause, belief, undertaking, etc.; vehement, eager, or… As a mass noun.
      3. eagerness c1450–1678
         Impetuosity, fierceness. Obsolete.
      4. heartiness c1475–
         The quality or condition of being hearty (in various senses of the adjective).
      5. estudy 1483
         Care, desire, zeal; = study, n.
      6. fanaticism 1855–
         In a weaker sense: Eagerness or enthusiasm in any pursuit.
      7. jolly hockey sticks 1972–
         The outlook associated with such people; boisterous, enthusiastic, or hearty upper or upper-middle-class behaviour or attitudes.
      View in Historical Thesaurus
3. 3.
   c1451–1697
   † Ardent or eager desire to obtain a result, pursue a course of action, etc.; desire or longing for something. Also as a count noun: a wish, a desire; an intention. Obsolete except as merged in sense 2.
   1. c1451

      > Gilberd..had..so grete zel to lede soules to heuene.

      J. Capgrave, Life St. Gilbert (1910) 65 (Middle English Dictionary)
   2. c1484 (a1475)

      > Þei may haue a lyst and a zele to stody and to lerne.

      J. de Caritate, translation of Secreta Secretorum (Takamiya MS.) (1977) 141 (Middle English Dictionary)
      [Composed a1475]
   3. a1500 (a1470)

      > Wherfore he might nat performe his zele & desire þat he had conceyved Agenst þe Turke.

      Brut (British Library Add. MS. 10099) 522
      [Composed a1470]
   4. 1547

      > Upon the confydence of whych your accomplyschment to my expectation, zele, and request.

      in J. Strype, Ecclesiastical Memorials (1721) vol. II. App. K. 39
   5. 1581

      > Ye rout with zeale of news now goes.

      A. Hall, translation of Homer, 10 Books of Iliades ii. 21
   6. 1600

      > This doth inferre the zeale I had to see him.

      W. Shakespeare, Henry IV, Part 2 v. v. 14
   7. 1658

      > My tender zeal..of your future welfare.

      H. Slingsby, Father's Legacy in Diary (1836) 211
   8. 1697

      > Such Rage of Honey in their Bosom beats: And such a Zeal they have for flow'ry Sweets.

      J. Dryden, translation of Virgil, Georgics iv, in translation of Virgil, Works 131
   1. lickerousness c1380–1665
      Fondness for good fare; gen. keen appetite or desire. Const. of, after, infinitive with to. Also, lecherousness.
   2. avarice c1386–
      figurative. Eager desire to get or keep for oneself.
   3. avidity c1449–
      Ardent desire, extreme eagerness, greediness.
   4. zeal c1451–1697
      Ardent or eager desire to obtain a result, pursue a course of action, etc.; desire or longing for something. Also as a count noun: a wish, a…
   5. eagerness 1486–
      Keenness of appetite or desire; impatient haste to do or obtain something; enthusiasm. With for (also †of) the thing desired, or followed by…
   6. greediness 1553–
      Excessive longing or desire in general; eager longing; eagerness, keenness.
   7. anxiety 1555–
      Strong desire or concern for something to happen or to do something; an instance of this.
   8. lickerishness 1580–
      Love of good fare; gen. keen appetite or desire.
   9. inhiation 1608–20
      The act of gaping after, or desiring greedily.
   10. exoptation 1633–1847
       The fact or state of earnestly desiring.
   11. Drang 1906–
       Pressure; urge, strong desire; esp. in Drang nach Osten (lit. pressure to the east), a former German imperialistic policy of eastern expansion; also…
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. heartburn a1325
      Burning passion; lust. Obsolete. rare.
   2. concupiscence c1340–
      Eager or vehement desire; in theological use (transl. ἐπιθυμία in the New Testament) the coveting of ‘carnal things’, desire for the ‘things of the…
   3. firelihead 1340
      Ardour, fervour, eagerness.
   4. ardour c1386–
      figurative. Heat of passion or desire, vehemence, ardent desire; warmth of emotion, zeal, fervour, eagerness, enthusiasm. Const. for. (The…
   5. zeal c1451–1697
      Ardent or eager desire to obtain a result, pursue a course of action, etc.; desire or longing for something. Also as a count noun: a wish, a…
   6. ardency 1549–
      figurative. Warmth of feeling or desire; intense eagerness, zeal, fervency, ardour.
   7. fervency 1554–
      figurative. ‘Heat of mind’, intensity of feeling or desire, warmth of devotion, zeal, ardour, eagerness; †an instance of the same.
   8. cupiscence 1647
      = concupiscence, n.
   9. lust 1679–
      In modern rhetorical use (with some transferred notion of sense 4): Lawless and passionate desire of or for some object. In poetry sometimes…
   10. mania 1689–
       A personal obsession, compulsion, or obsessive need; excessive excitement or enthusiasm; a collective enthusiasm, usually short-lived, a ‘craze’…
   11. nympholepsy 1776–
       Passion supposedly inspired in men by nymphs; an ecstasy or yearning, esp. that caused by desire for something unattainable. Also: passion or desire…
   12. nympholepsia 1885
       = nympholepsy, n.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
4. 4.
   1492–1600
   † Chiefly Scottish. In weakened sense: intent, will; inclination; disposition. Frequently with modifying word, esp. in good zeal. Obsolete.
   1. 1492–3

      > Johne Scot occupiit the said landis of gude ȝele be vertu of the said charter and sesing gevin to him be the said William Brovster.

      in Acts of Lords of Council in Civil Causes (1839) vol. I. 272/1
   2. 1513

      > Gentill curtas redaris of guide zeill.

      G. Douglas in translation of Virgil, Æneid iii. Prologue 29
   3. 1533

      > Master More which of late hath busyed him selfe to medle in all such matters (of what zeale I wil not define).

      J. Frith, Boke answeringe Mores Lettur sig. Aiij
   4. c1540

      > Thus grew he Ilk day more terribill and odius to his pepill. And gouernit the realme with na better ȝeil than he gat it.

      J. Bellenden, translation of H. Boece, Hystory & Croniklis of Scotland vi. v. f. 68/1
   5. c1600

      > Men of guid zeall and conscience.

      R. Lindsay, Historie & Cronicles of Scotland (1899) vol. I. 14
   Scottish English
   1. high Old English–1275
      Mind, thought; intention, purpose, determination.
   2. thought Old English–
      The action or process of thinking; mental action or activity in general, esp. that of the intellect; exercise of the mental faculty; formation and…
   3. will Old English–
      Intention or determination that what one wishes or ordains shall be done by another or others, or shall take place; (contextually) an expression…
   4. intent?c1225–
      The act or fact of intending or purposing; intention, purpose (formed in the mind). Formerly also, in more general sense, Will, inclination; that…
   5. achesoun c1230–1450
      Reason, motive, occasion; = encheason, n.
   6. attent a1250–1450
      Intention, aim, purpose.
   7. courage c1320–1626
      What is in one's mind or thoughts, what one is thinking of or intending; intention, purpose; desire or inclination. Obsolete. (Cf. ‘To speak one's…
   8. device c1320–1548
      Purpose, intention. Obsolete (originally devis).
   9. mind a1325–
      Purpose or intention; desire or wish; spec. in the legal context of wills (cf. also sense II.ii.11b). Now only in phrases: see sense II.ii.10.
   10. study a1382–1907
       Thought or attention directed to the accomplishment of a purpose; studied or deliberate effort; endeavour; diligence; an instance of this. Also: the…
   11. understanding c1384–1531
       Mind, purpose, intent. Obsolete. rare.
   12. suggestion c1390–1563
       In extended sense: A prompting from within, (hence) intention. Obsolete.
   13. meaning a1393–
       (A person's) motive, intention, or purpose. Usually in singular. Now archaic.
   14. i-mind a1400
       Purpose, intention. Cf. mind, n.¹ II.ii.9. rare.
   15. mint a1400–00
       Purpose, intention. Obsolete.
   16. tent 1399–1460
       Intent, purpose; = intent, n. 1, attent, n. 3. Obsolete.
   17. cast c1400–1532
       Device, purpose, design, aim. Obsolete.
   18. ettling c1400–
       An intention, a purpose; an ambition; (also) effort, endeavour. Chiefly (and now only) Scottish.
   19. affect a1425–1615
       An inner disposition or feeling (rather than an external manifestation or action); intent, intention, earnest, reality. Contrasted with cheer and…
   20. advice c1425–1676
       A plan of action; a scheme, an arrangement. Obsolete.
   21. intention 1430–
       The action of intending or purposing; volition which one is minded to carry out; purpose. †of intention, on purpose, intentionally (obsolete).
   22. purpose c1430–
       As a mass noun. Resolution, determination, intention.
   23. propose a1450–1663
       A purpose, an intention, an aim.
   24. intendment 1450–1806
       The act or fact of intending; will, purpose, intent; that which is intended, an intention; a design, project. Obsolete.
   25. supposing?c1450
       Purpose, intention. Obsolete. rare.
   26. pretension c1456–1844
       An intention; an aim or aspiration; a design. Obsolete.
   27. intellection c1460
       Meaning, intention, purpose. Obsolete. rare.
   28. zeal 1492–1600
       Chiefly Scottish. In weakened sense: intent, will; inclination; disposition. Frequently with modifying word, esp. in good zeal. Obsolete.
   29. hest?a1513–1845
       Will, purpose, determination. Obsolete.
   30. minting?a1513–
       The action of mint, v.¹; (also) a hint.
   31. institute?1520–1670
       A purpose; an intention; a design. Obsolete.
   32. intending c1525–
       The action of intend, v.; intention, attention, stretching, etc.; a purpose.
   33. mindfulness 1530–
       1.The quality or state of being conscious or aware of something; attention. Also: †memory (obsolete); †intention, purpose (obsolete).
   34. cogitation a1538–
       ‘Reflection previous to action’ (Johnson); a purpose or design.
   35. fordrift 1549
       ? Purpose, preconceived design.
   36. forecast 1549–1670
       Design, purpose, aim.
   37. designing 1566–
       The action of creating a plan or scheme, esp. in a calculating or deceitful way; planning, plotting, scheming. Also: an instance of this; = design, n.…
   38. tention 1587–1654
       = intention, n.
   39. level a1591–1605
       figurative. Aim, purpose, design. Obsolete.
   40. intendiment 1595–1608
       Intention, purpose; = intendment, n. 5.
   41. design 1597–
       In weakened sense: a purpose, an aim, an intention.
   42. suppose 1597–1624
       A purpose, an intention. Obsolete. rare.
   43. aim 1598–
       The action or fact of directing one's efforts towards a particular object; the fact of having an aim (sense 1b); design, purpose, intent.
   44. regard a1616
       Intention, design, purpose. (Only in Shakespeare.) Obsolete. rare.
   45. idea 1617–
       A conception or notion of something to be done or carried out; an intention, plan of action.
   46. contemplation a1631–
       The action or fact of expecting or intending something; the belief or intention that something will happen; expectation.
   47. speculation 1631
       An aim, purpose, or intention. Obsolete.
   48. view 1634–
       An aim or intention; a design or plan. Now only in with a view to at phrases P.3b and with this view at phrases P.3c.
   49. way of thinking 1650–
       The habits of mind or mental framework that shape a person's judgements, conclusions, etc.; a set of opinions or principles characteristic of an…
   50. designation 1658–1806
       Purpose, aim, intention. Cf. design, n. I.3. Obsolete.
   51. tend 1663–
       The action or fact of tending; aim, tendency.
   52. would 1753–
       With the. That which one would like to have or do; desire or intention in contrast to duty or necessity.
   53. predetermination 1764–
       Prior resolve or mental determination; an instance of this; a pre-established intention to do something.
   View in Historical Thesaurus
5. 5.
   1631–47
   † In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete.
   Only in 17th cent.: see note at sense 2.
   1. 1631

      > As errant a Zeale as he.

      B. Jonson, Bartholmew Fayre i. iii. 7 in Workes vol. II
   2. 1643

      > There are..both in Greek, Roman, and African Churches, solemnities,..whereof the wiser zeales doe make a Christian use.

      Sir T. Browne, Religio Medici (authorized edition) i. §3
   3. 1647

      > Although some Zeales are so hot, and their eyes so inflamed with their ardors.

      Bishop J. Taylor, Θεολογία Ἐκλεκτική Epistle Ded. 9
   religion
   1. Cananaean 1483–
      An epithet given to the apostle Simon; = Canaanite, n.¹ A.2.
   2. votary 1576–
      A devoted or zealous worshipper of a particular god, goddess, saint, or other person. Frequently with of or possessive. Now chiefly historical.
   3. Canaanite 1611–
      An epithet given to the apostle Simon. (See the etymology section.)
   4. spiritato 1613–98
      A person considered to exhibit excessive religious fervour; a religious zealot or fanatic. Cf. enthusiast, n. 1b.
   5. zealist 1614–
      A zealot.
   6. zelant 1624–26
      A zealot.
   7. zeal 1631–47
      In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete.
   8. religionist 1651–
      A person devoted to religion; an excessively religious person, a zealot. Also: a person professionally occupied with religion, as a minister or…
   9. ecstatic 1659–
      One who is subject to fits of ecstasy (see ecstasy, n. 2, 3).
   10. rapturist 1665–
       A person who has or goes into raptures; an enthusiast.
   11. religioner 1808–
       A person bound by religious vows; (more generally) a person devoted to a religious life, a religious person.
   12. subject 1820
       A person under the influence of religious emotion. Obsolete. rare.
   13. voteen 1825–
       A devout or zealously religious person, a devotee. Also (esp. in later use): a sanctimonious or ostentatiously pious person.
   14. zealator 1867–
       A zealot (see zealot, n.); esp. a person who is excessively, immoderately, or fanatically devoted to a cause or ideal, esp. a religious or…
   View in Historical Thesaurus
   1. zealator a1464–1918
      A person who zealously promotes or furthers a cause, belief, etc.; a zealous defender or supporter of something. Obsolete (rare after 17th cent.).
   2. zealotist 1593–
      A zealot (in either sense A.2 or sense A.3 of the noun). Cf. zealotism, n.
   3. zealot 1596–
      A person who is zealously, fervently or passionately devoted to a cause or belief, or to the pursuit of an objective or outcome. Frequently (and…
   4. zealist 1614–
      A zealot.
   5. zeal 1631–47
      In extended use. A zealous person; a zealot. Obsolete.
   6. zelotypist?1632
      A person given to or characterized by excessive jealousy.
   View in Historical Thesaurus

## Pronunciation

### British English

/ziːl/
zeel

### U.S. English

/zil/
zeel

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- ɬrhingyll
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛtl/ but /ˈpɛtl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- iːfleece
- ihappy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- atrap, bath
- ɑːstart, palm, bath
- ɒlot
- ɔːthought, force
- ʌstrut
- ʊfoot
- uːgoose
- əletter
- əːnurse
- ɪənear
- ɛːsquare
- ʊəcure
- eɪface
- ʌɪpride
- aʊmouth
- əʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ãgratin
- ɒ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

##### Consonants

- ppea
- ttea
- kkey
- bbuy
- ddye*
- ɡguy
- tʃchore
- dʒjay
- ffore
- θthaw
- ssore
- ʃshore
- vvee
- ðthee
- zzee
- ʒbeige
- xloch
- hhay
- llay
- rray
- wway
- jyore
- mmay
- nnay
- ŋsing

* /d/ also represents a 'tapped' /t/ as in

Some consonants can take the function of the vowel in unstressed syllables. Where necessary, a syllabic marker diacritic is used, hence /ˈpɛd(ə)l/ but /ˈpɛdl̩i/.

##### Vowels

- ifleece, happy
- ɪkit
- ɛdress
- ætrap, bath
- ɑlot, palm, cloth, thought
- ɑrstart
- ɔcloth, thought
- ɔrnorth, force
- ʊfoot
- ugoose
- əstrut, comma
- ərnurse, letter
- ɪ(ə)rnear
- ɛ(ə)rsquare
- ʊ(ə)rcure
- eɪface
- aɪpride
- aʊmouth
- oʊgoat
- ɔɪvoice
- ɑ̃gratin
- æ̃salon
- ᵻ(/ɪ/-/ə/)
- ᵿ(/ʊ/-/ə/)

##### Other symbols

- The symbol ˈ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with primary stress.
- The symbol ˌ at the beginning of a syllable indicates that that syllable is pronounced with secondary stress.
- Round brackets ( ) in a transcription indicate that the symbol within the brackets is optional.

View the pronunciation model here.

####

Simple text respell breaks words into syllables, separated by a hyphen. The syllable which carries the primary stress is written in capital letters. This key covers both British and U.S. English Simple Text Respell.

##### Consonants

b, d, f, h, k, l, m, n, p, r, s, t, v, w and z have their standard English values

- gguy
- jjay
- yyore
- chchore
- khloch
- shshore
- ththaw
- dhthee
- zhbeige

##### Vowels

- atrap
- ahpalm
- airsquare
- arstart
- arrcarry (British only)
- awthought
- ayface
- a(ng)gratin
- edress
- eefleece
- eerdeer
- errmerry
- ikit
- ighpride
- irrmirror
- olot (British only)
- ohgoat
- oogoose
- oorcure
- orforce
- orrsorry (British only)
- owmouth
- oyvoice
- o(ng)salon
- ustrut
- uhletter
- urnurse
- urrhurry
- uufoot

## Forms

### Variant forms

##### α.

(a)

1. Middle English
   seele, zel
2. Middle English–1600s
   zeale, zeel, zele
3. Middle English–
   zeal
4. 1500s
   syil
5. 1500s–1600s
   zeall, zealle, zeele

(b) Also Scottish

1. pre-1700
   zaill, zeil, zeile, zeill, zill

##### β. Scottish

1. pre-1700
   ȝeil, ȝele

##### γ. Scottish

1. pre-1700
   yeald, yeale, yealle, yeil

## Frequency

zeal typically occurs about five times per million words in modern written English.

zeal is in frequency band 5, which contains words occurring between 1 and 10 times per million words in modern written English. More about OED's frequency bands

Frequency data is computed programmatically, and should be regarded as an estimate.

### Frequency of zeal, n., 1750–2010

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Historical frequency series are derived from Google Books Ngrams (version 2), a data set based on the Google Books corpus of several million books printed in English between 1500 and 2010.

The overall frequency for a given word is calculated by summing frequencies for the main form of the word, any plural or inflected forms, and any major spelling variations.

For sets of homographs (distinct entries that share the same word-form, e.g. mole, n.¹, mole, n.², mole, n.³, etc.), we have estimated the frequency of each homograph entry as a fraction of the total Ngrams frequency for the word-form. This may result in inaccuracies.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the Google Books corpus.

Decade | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
1750 | 59
1760 | 63
1770 | 73
1780 | 74
1790 | 74
1800 | 72
1810 | 72
1820 | 69
1830 | 64
1840 | 57
1850 | 49
1860 | 41
1870 | 34
1880 | 29
1890 | 25
1900 | 20
1910 | 17
1920 | 14
1930 | 12
1940 | 11
1950 | 9.8
1960 | 8.8
1970 | 7.2
1980 | 5.4
1990 | 4.7
2000 | 4.7
2010 | 4.9

### Frequency of zeal, n., 2017–2024

* Occurrences per million words in written English

Modern frequency series are derived from a corpus of 20 billion words, covering the period from 2017 to the present. The corpus is mainly compiled from online news sources, and covers all major varieties of World English.

Smoothing has been applied to series for lower-frequency words, using a moving-average algorithm. This reduces short-term fluctuations, which may be produced by variability in the content of the corpus.

Period | Frequency per million words
--- | ---
2017 | 1.2
2018 | 1.2
2019 | 1.1
2020 | 1.1
2021 | 1.0
2022 | 1.1
2023 | 1.0
2024 | 1.0

## Compounds & derived words

Sort by

1. zealer, n. ?a1450–1673
   A person who shows zeal (in various senses); esp…

1. zealing, adj. 1459–1602
   Zealous.

1. zeal, v. 1542–1687
   transitive. To pursue (an objective) with zeal or…

1. zealless, adj. a1594–
   Lacking zeal; devoid of enthusiasm for or…

1. wildfire zeal, n. 1601–

1. zealful, adj. 1602–
   Full of or inspired by zeal; characterized by…

1. zeal-scoffing, adj. 1605
   That ridicules or derides religious devotion or zeal.

1. zealist, n. 1614–
   A zealot.

1. zeal-blind, adj. 1615–1898
   That has been deprived of discernment or mental…

1. zeal-consuming, adj. 1629–1882
   Burning with zeal; that is on fire with…

1. over-zealed, adj. 1639
   Too much influenced by zeal; overzealous.

1. zeal-transported, adj. a1644–59
   Enraptured by zeal; carried away with passionate…

1. zeal-inflamed, adj. 1648–
   Inflamed by zeal; demonstrating or inspired by…

1. zeal-pretending, adj. 1652–69
   That pretends or professes to be zealous…

1. zealed, adj. 1679–1903
   Zealous; demonstrating or characterized by zeal…

1. overzeal, n. 1682–
   Excessive zeal.

1. zeal-quenching, adj. 1688–1877
   That thwarts, suppresses, or puts an end to zeal…

1. party zeal, n. 1705–

1. zeal-worthy, adj. 1797
   Deserving of zeal or enthusiasm.

1. martyr zeal, n. 1805–

1. missionary zeal, n. 1822–
   The type of enthusiasm or fervour characteristic…

1. under-zeal, n. 1841–
   (under-, prefix¹ affix 5ii.)

1. Frequently with reference to Puritan espousal of religious reform in the 16th and 17th centuries: see note at sense 2.
   1. zeal-scoffing, adj. 1605
      That ridicules or derides religious devotion or zeal.
   1. zeal-blind, adj. 1615–1898
      That has been deprived of discernment or mental…
   1. zeal-consuming, adj. 1629–1882
      Burning with zeal; that is on fire with…
   1. zeal-transported, adj. a1644–59
      Enraptured by zeal; carried away with passionate…
   1. zeal-inflamed, adj. 1648–
      Inflamed by zeal; demonstrating or inspired by…
   1. zeal-pretending, adj. 1652–69
      That pretends or professes to be zealous…
   1. zeal-quenching, adj. 1688–1877
      That thwarts, suppresses, or puts an end to zeal…

zeal, n. was revised in June 2018.

zeal, n. was last modified in June 2025.