zealous etymology

Etymology:

The word "zealous" comes from the Middle English word "zealous," borrowed from the Old French word "zeleus," which in turn derives from the Latin word "zelosus." "Zelosus" is derived from the Greek word "zēlos," meaning "zeal, rivalry, eagerness."

Meaning:

Zealous means full of zeal, enthusiasm, or fervor. It describes a person who is passionately dedicated to a cause, belief, or pursuit.

Origin:

The concept of zeal has been present in many cultures throughout history.

  • Ancient Greece: In Greek mythology, the god Zeus was often referred to as "Zeus the Jealous," embodying the idea of intense passion and rivalry.
  • Ancient Rome: The Roman concept of "aemulatio" referred to a competitive spirit or desire to excel, which was often associated with zeal.
  • Christianity: In the early Christian church, the term "zeal" was used to describe the fervent devotion of believers to their faith.

Use in English:

The word "zealous" entered the English language in the 13th century. It has since been used in various contexts to describe passionate individuals, such as:

  • Religious zealots
  • Political activists
  • Sports enthusiasts
  • Scientific researchers
  • Artistic creators

zealous relate terms

  • jealous

    Etymology and Meaning The word jealous comes from the Latin word zelosus which mean

  • zeal

    Etymology Origin The word zeal originates from the Greek word zēlos ζῆλος

  • zealous

    Etymology The word zealous comes from the Middle English word zealous borrowed from

  • zeal

    Etymology Origin The word zeal originates from the Greek word zēlos ζῆλος

  • overzealous

    Etymology Overzealous is a compound word derived from two Latin roots over mean

  • over

    Etymology The word over derives from the Middle English over which in turn stems fr

  • zealous

    Etymology The word zealous comes from the Middle English word zealous borrowed from

  • affectionate

    Etymology Latin affectus meaning a disposition affection Greek affection mea

  • officious

    Etymology The word officious comes from the Latin officiosus meaning obliging dut

  • sedulous

    Etymology Latin sedulus meaning diligent assiduous watchful Indo European sed m

  • earnest

    Etymology The word earnest originated from the Middle English word ernest which deri

  • ardent

    Etymology Late Middle English in the sense burning with passion from Old French ar

  • abandon

    Etymology Origin Middle English abandonar from Old French abandoner from Late Latin

  • intend

    Etymology Middle English entenden from Anglo Norman French entendre from Medieval La

  • continent

    Etymology The word continent comes from the Latin word continens which means holdin

  • apocalypse

    Etymology The word apocalypse derives from the Greek word apokálypsis which means