zealous

Pronunciation: adjective. Synonyms: fervent, ardent, fervid

adjective

Definition of zealous

zealous (adjective): intensely passionate

Example: She was a zealous advocate for human rights.

Best for: learners who already know "fervent" or "ardent"; GRE Verbal (Text Completion, Sentence Equivalence); SAT Reading & Writing (Words in Context).

Synonyms for zealous

zealous in a Sentence

  1. She was a zealous advocate for human rights.

Why zealous Matters for GRE & SAT

"zealous" is a adjective that means "intensely passionate" closely related to words like "fervent", "ardent", "fervid". As a word starting with Z, it belongs to a cluster of GRE and SAT vocabulary that test-takers often encounter in Verbal Reasoning, Text Completion, and Reading Comprehension sections.

On the GRE, understanding "zealous" helps you distinguish between closely related answer choices in Sentence Equivalence questions. On the SAT, recognizing this word in context strengthens your performance on Craft & Structure and Words in Context questions. Seeing how "zealous" is used in sentences — like the examples above — builds the contextual understanding that standardized tests reward.

Study tip: Start with the definition and part of speech (adjective). Then learn its 3 synonyms to build a word network. Finally, practice with spaced repetition to move "zealous" into long-term memory.

How to Remember zealous

One effective way to remember "zealous" (adjective) is to group it with similar words you already know: "fervent" and "ardent" and "fervid". When you encounter "zealous" on a test, these synonym connections help you quickly recall its meaning — "intensely passionate".

Use flashcard apps with spaced repetition to review "zealous" at increasing intervals until it becomes automatic.

  • zenith — the point at which something attains its maximum strength or power
  • zone — An area or stretch of land with particular characteristics

More Vocabulary Words Starting with Z

  • zealous — Having great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective
  • zealous — Having great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective
  • zealous — intensely passionate
  • zenith — the point at which something attains its maximum strength or power
  • zenith — the point at which something attains its maximum strength or power
  • zone — An area or stretch of land with particular characteristics
  • zone — An area or stretch of land with particular characteristics