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zeal (n.)

"passionate ardor in pursuit of an objective or course of action," late 14c., from Old French zel (Modern French zèle) and directly from Late Latin zelus "zeal, emulation" (source also of Italian zelo, Spanish celo), a Church word, from Greek zēlos "ardor, eager rivalry, emulation," "a noble passion" [Liddell & Scott], but also "jealousy;" from PIE *ya- "to seek, request, desire." From mid-15c. as "devotion."

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Definitions of zeal from WordNet

zeal (n.)
a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause);
he felt a kind of religious zeal
Synonyms: ardor / ardour / elan
zeal (n.)
excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end;
he had an absolute zeal for litigation
zeal (n.)
prompt willingness;
they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority
Synonyms: readiness / eagerness / forwardness
From wordnet.princeton.edu