Zeal vs. Enthusiasm — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on September 15, 2023
Zeal is intense passion or dedication toward a cause or objective, while enthusiasm is a lively interest or excitement about something.
Difference Between Zeal and Enthusiasm
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Zeal and enthusiasm are both emotions that denote positive interest and energy toward something. However, zeal often implies a deeper, fervent passion or dedication, typically long-term and sometimes bordering on the fanatic. Enthusiasm, on the other hand, can be seen as a more general, effervescent excitement or interest in something, which might be fleeting or sustained.
Both zeal and enthusiasm can be infectious, driving others to feel similarly about a cause or interest. Zeal, due to its intensity, can inspire deep commitment in others, motivating them to act or dedicate themselves in similar ways. Enthusiasm, being lighter in nature, might spark interest and curiosity, encouraging others to explore or partake in the source of excitement.
From a connotative standpoint, zeal can sometimes have religious or ideological undertones, suggesting a profound dedication to a belief or cause. Enthusiasm lacks these specific connotations, being more versatile in its application to any subject, from hobbies to new experiences.
In essence, while both zeal and enthusiasm are positive emotions showcasing interest and energy, their intensity and implications vary. Zeal represents a fervent, sometimes consuming passion, whereas enthusiasm denotes a spirited, lively interest.
Comparison Chart
Intensity
Deep, fervent passion.
Lively, effervescent excitement.
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Duration
Typically long-term.
Can be fleeting or sustained.
Connotations
Often religious or ideological.
General interest without specific ties.
Effect on Others
Inspires deep commitment.
Sparks interest and curiosity.
Relationship to Commitment
Strong, potentially unwavering dedication.
Variable, based on the level of interest.
Compare with Definitions
Zeal
Intense dedication or enthusiasm toward a cause.
He approached his studies with a zeal that was commendable.
Enthusiasm
Strong excitement or interest in a topic or activity.
His enthusiasm for photography was infectious.
Zeal
Fervent or tireless devotion to a task or principle.
With zeal, the team worked overtime to meet the deadline.
Enthusiasm
Lively and eager enjoyment or approval.
The audience clapped with enthusiasm after the performance.
Zeal
A strong feeling of interest and enthusiasm that makes someone eager or determined.
The community's zeal for recycling made a significant impact.
Enthusiasm
A feeling of energetic interest in a particular subject or activity.
She showed great enthusiasm during the workshop.
Zeal
Passionate ardor in the pursuit of something.
Her zeal for environmental conservation led her to start a nonprofit.
Enthusiasm
A keen interest or fervor to do something.
Her enthusiasm for the project was evident in her detailed plan.
Zeal
Burning passion or intense drive.
Her zeal was evident in every project she undertook.
Enthusiasm
In modern usage, enthusiasm refers to intense enjoyment, interest, or approval expressed by a person. The term is related to playfulness, inventiveness, optimism and high energy.
Zeal
Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective
His zeal for privatization
Laura brought a missionary zeal to her work
Enthusiasm
Great excitement for or interest in a subject or cause.
Zeal
Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal.
Enthusiasm
A source or cause of great excitement or interest.
Zeal
The fervour or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest.
She extols the virtues of veganism with missionary zeal.
Enthusiasm
Ecstasy arising from supposed possession by a god.
Zeal
(obsolete) A person who exhibits such fervour or tireless devotion.
Enthusiasm
Religious fanaticism.
Zeal
The collective noun for a group of zebras.
Enthusiasm
Intensity of feeling; excited interest or eagerness.
Try to curb your enthusiasm.
They have a great enthusiasm for country music.
Zeal
Passionate ardor in the pursuit of anything; eagerness in favor of a person or cause; ardent and active interest; engagedness; enthusiasm; fervor.
I bear them record that they have a zeal of God, but not according to knowledge.
A zeal for liberty is sometimes an eagerness to subvert with little care what shall be established.
Enthusiasm
Something in which one is keenly interested.
Zeal
A zealot.
Enthusiasm
Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
Zeal
To be zealous.
Enthusiasm
Inspiration as if by a divine or superhuman power; ecstasy; hence, a conceit of divine possession and revelation, or of being directly subject to some divine impulse.
Enthusiasm is founded neither on reason nor divine revelation, but rises from the conceits of a warmed or overweening imagination.
Zeal
A feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause);
They were imbued with a revolutionary ardor
He felt a kind of religious zeal
Enthusiasm
A state of impassioned emotion; transport; elevation of fancy; exaltation of soul; as, the poetry of enthusiasm.
Resolutions adopted in enthusiasm are often repented of when excitement has been succeeded by the wearing duties of hard everyday routine.
Exhibiting the seeming contradiction of susceptibility to enthusiasm and calculating shrewdness.
Zeal
Excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end;
He had an absolute zeal for litigation
Enthusiasm
Enkindled and kindling fervor of soul; strong excitement of feeling on behalf of a cause or a subject; ardent and imaginative zeal or interest; as, he engaged in his profession with enthusiasm.
Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm
Lively manifestation of joy or zeal.
Philip was greeted with a tumultuous enthusiasm.
Enthusiasm
A feeling of excitement
Enthusiasm
Overflowing with enthusiasm
Enthusiasm
A lively interest;
Enthusiasm for his program is growing
Enthusiasm
Vigorous and joyful interest.
The children's enthusiasm for the game made the event lively.
Common Curiosities
Can one be enthusiastic without having expertise?
Yes, enthusiasm denotes interest and excitement, not necessarily expertise.
Which word has religious connotations: zeal or enthusiasm?
Zeal often carries religious or ideological undertones.
Can enthusiasm be temporary?
Yes, enthusiasm can be fleeting or long-lasting based on the situation.
Is zeal always positive?
While zeal denotes intense passion, it can be negative if it leads to fanaticism or extremism.
Can someone's enthusiasm influence others?
Yes, enthusiasm can be infectious, inspiring others to take interest.
Is zeal typically short-lived?
No, zeal often suggests a long-term, unwavering dedication.
Can enthusiasm be cultivated?
Yes, people can cultivate or reignite enthusiasm through exposure, learning, or positive experiences.
Is zeal stronger than enthusiasm?
Typically, zeal is viewed as a deeper, more fervent passion than enthusiasm.
Can zeal be detrimental?
If taken to extremes, zeal can lead to fanaticism, which can be harmful.
Which is more casual in nature: zeal or enthusiasm?
Enthusiasm is generally more casual, while zeal denotes a deeper dedication.
Is zeal exclusive to serious causes or principles?
Though often associated with serious causes, zeal can be applied to any passionate interest.
Does zeal always imply action?
While zeal denotes strong passion, it doesn't always lead to action, though it often does.
Is enthusiasm always genuine?
Not necessarily; people can feign enthusiasm for various reasons.
Which word is more versatile in its application?
Enthusiasm is more versatile, applicable to a wide range of interests or activities.
Can both words be used interchangeably?
While similar, their intensity and connotations differ; context will dictate their interchangeability.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
