Etymology of the English word zeal
the English word
zealderived from the Old French word
zelderived from the Latin word
zelus (jealousy; spirit of rivalry, emulation)
derived from the Greek word
zelos, ζῆλος (properly, heat; 'zeal' (in a favorable sense, ardor; in an unfavorable one, jealousy, as of a husband (figuratively, of God), or an enemy, malice))
Date
The earliest known usage of zeal in English dates from the 14th century.
Usage
Word found in Modern English
