zealous
Meaning: Having or showing great enthusiasm, energy, and devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal; fervent and passionate in pursuit of something.
Zealous sits between 'enthusiastic' and 'fanatical' on the spectrum of devotion. It implies passionate commitment that may sometimes verge on excess, though it is not inherently pejorative. Context determines whether zealous behaviour is admirable or concerning. Common collocations include 'zealous advocate,' 'zealous pursuit,' and 'over-zealous.' The related noun 'zeal' and the more extreme 'zealot' are equally well established.
Examples
- The inspector was known as a zealous enforcer of health and safety regulations. 这位督察以严格执行健康与安全法规而著称。El inspector era conocido como un celoso ejecutor de las normativas de salud y seguridad laboral.その監察官は労働安全衛生規則の熱心な執行者として知られていた。그 감독관은 산업안전보건 규정의 열성적인 집행자로 알려져 있었다.
- Her zealous advocacy for workers' rights made her both admired and feared in equal measure. 她对工人权利的热忱倡导使她既受人尊敬又令人畏惧。Su celosa defensa de los derechos de los trabajadores la convirtió en una figura admirada y temida a partes iguales.彼女の労働者の権利に対する熱心な擁護は、称賛と畏怖を等しく集めた。그녀의 노동자 권리에 대한 열성적인 옹호는 존경과 두려움을 동시에 불러일으켰다.
- Over-zealous policing of minor offences had eroded public trust in the force. 对轻微违法行为的过度执法已侵蚀了公众对警方的信任。Una vigilancia policial excesivamente celosa de las infracciones menores había erosionado la confianza pública en el cuerpo.軽微な違反に対する過剰な取り締まりは、警察に対する市民の信頼を損なっていた。경미한 위반에 대한 과잉 단속은 경찰에 대한 시민의 신뢰를 약화시켰다.
Pronunciation
Usage Guide
Context: journalism, legal, professional
Tone: neutral
Origin & History
From late Latin zelosus, from Greek zelos meaning zeal or emulation. Entered English in the early 16th century. The related 'zealot' originally referred to members of a radical Jewish sect in first-century Palestine.
Cultural Context
Era: Modern
Generation: All ages
Social background: Universal
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