zealous

Where does the word "zealous" come from? It comes from Greek zelos, and was adopted directly into English (1500s).

Zealous’s story begins in Greek: zelos meant “ardent devotion, fervor.” Ardent devotion, fervor, or jealousy. It reached English by 1500s as zealous. Settled as the English word for showing great energy and enthusiasm. Today, zealous means showing great energy, enthusiasm, or devotion to a cause.

1. Stage 1 · Greek · ancient zelos "ardent devotion, fervor", ardent devotion, fervor, or jealousy.
2. Stage 2 · English · 1500s zealous "showing great energy and enthusiasm for a cause", settled as the English word for showing great energy and enthusiasm.