Pronunciation
- (US) IPA: /ziːl/
- (US) SAMPA: /zi:l/
Noun
zeal (uncountable)
- Enthusiasm; powerful interest.
- M. Le Page Du Pratz, History of Louisisana (PG), p. 47
- I know it is no easy matter so to deepen or hollow the channel of a bar, that it may never after need clearing, and that the expences run high: but my zeal for promoting the advantage of this colony having prompted me to make reflections on those passes, or entrances of the Missisippi, [sic] and being perfectly well acquainted both with the country and the nature of the soil, I dare flatter myself, I may be able to accomplish it, to the great benefit of the province, and acquit myself therein with honour, at a small charge, and in a manner not to need repetition.
Etymology
mid-14c., from L. zelus "zeal, emulation," a Church word, from Gk. zelos "zeal, ardor , jealousy." Zealous first recorded 1535 .
Translations
- Arabic: حماس
- Catalan: zel m
- Dutch: ijver m, geestdrift m
- Finnish: into, intohimo
- French: zèle m, assiduité f
- German: Eifer m, Begeisterung f
- Swedish: iver c
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