Eagerness vs. Zeal — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman — Updated on October 29, 2023
"Eagerness" denotes a keen desire or enthusiasm, while "zeal" refers to fervent or passionate energy for a cause or objective. Both imply enthusiasm but differ in depth and devotion.
Difference Between Eagerness and Zeal
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Key Differences
"Eagerness" is generally an intense enthusiasm or impatience to do something or for something to happen. When someone showcases eagerness, they might be excited or anxious about an upcoming event, a task, or a possibility. In contrast, "zeal" often goes beyond mere enthusiasm. It conveys a fervent or passionate energy, typically in the pursuit of a cause, belief, or objective. Zeal suggests dedication and commitment.
Furthermore, while "eagerness" can be momentary or fleeting based on a particular circumstance, "zeal" implies a more sustained passion. One might show eagerness to start a new book they've just bought, stemming from curiosity or excitement. Yet, zeal would describe someone's consistent and burning passion for a hobby, cause, or profession, like an activist's zeal for environmental conservation.
In some contexts, "eagerness" and "zeal" might overlap. For instance, an employee might showcase eagerness to contribute to a project and simultaneously display zeal for their profession. However, while eagerness may wane once the immediate anticipation or excitement passes, zeal is more enduring, driven by profound commitment and passion.
Additionally, while both terms revolve around enthusiasm, "eagerness" often incorporates a sense of anticipation. It's the feeling one gets before opening a gift or starting a new adventure. "Zeal," meanwhile, doesn't always hinge on anticipation; it's more about fervor and ardor in action, such as a researcher's zeal in making a groundbreaking discovery.
To summarize, "eagerness" and "zeal" are both rooted in enthusiasm. However, while eagerness is more about keen desire and anticipation, zeal revolves around fervent passion and dedication towards a cause or objective.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Meaning
Keen desire or enthusiasm.
Fervent passion for a cause or objective.
Depth of Feeling
Momentary or based on a specific circumstance.
Sustained and deep-rooted passion.
Associated Emotions
Excitement, anticipation.
Dedication, commitment, fervor.
Duration
Can be fleeting.
Typically enduring.
Driving Factor
Curiosity, excitement for the upcoming.
Profound commitment and passion.
Compare with Definitions
Eagerness
Anxious anticipation.
There was a noticeable eagerness in his voice as he awaited the news.
Zeal
A fervor that drives someone forward.
His zeal for charity work inspired many.
Eagerness
Prompt willingness.
His eagerness to help was commendable.
Zeal
Great energy or passion in pursuit of an objective.
Martin Luther King Jr. led the civil rights movement with zeal.
Eagerness
Impatience towards an upcoming event.
The kids waited with eagerness for the magician to start.
Zeal
Intense enthusiasm or ardor.
With zeal, he dove into his research, aiming to find a cure.
Eagerness
Keen enthusiasm to do something.
Sarah showed eagerness to participate in the competition.
Zeal
Passionate dedication to a cause.
The team worked with zeal to complete the community project.
Eagerness
Strong desire or interest.
She expressed eagerness to learn more about the subject.
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
Eagerness
Having or showing keen interest, intense desire, or impatient expectancy. See Usage Note at anxious.
Zeal
Enthusiastic devotion to a cause, ideal, or goal.
Eagerness
(Obsolete) Tart; sharp; cutting.
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.
Eagerness
The state or quality of being eager; ardent desire.
Zeal
(obsolete) A person who exhibits such fervour or tireless devotion.
Eagerness
(obsolete) Tartness, sourness.
Zeal
The collective noun for a group of zebras.
Eagerness
The state or quality of being eager; ardent desire.
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.
Eagerness
Tartness; sourness.
Zeal
A zealot.
Eagerness
A positive feeling of wanting to push ahead with something
Zeal
To be zealous.
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
Zeal
Excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end;
He had an absolute zeal for litigation
Zeal
Fervent or tireless devotion.
The teacher's zeal for educating her students was evident.
Common Curiosities
Does "zeal" always indicate a long-term passion?
While zeal often denotes enduring passion, it can be used for short-term intense enthusiasm too.
Is "eagerness" always positive?
Mostly, but excessive eagerness might sometimes come off as impatience.
Can one be eager without zeal?
Yes, one can be eager (anticipating) about something without the deep passion that zeal implies.
Can "eagerness" be used in a professional context?
Yes, like showing eagerness to take on a project or learn a new skill.
Which is stronger, "eagerness" or "zeal"?
"Zeal" typically denotes a deeper, more fervent passion than "eagerness."
Are "eagerness" and "zeal" synonyms?
They can overlap in meaning, but eagerness often implies anticipation, while zeal denotes deep passion.
Can "zeal" be negative?
While generally positive, in certain contexts (like "zealotry"), it can imply excessive or blind passion.
Can a person's eagerness change over time?
Yes, eagerness can wane or intensify based on changing circumstances.
Is "zeal" only about causes or beliefs?
While often used in such contexts, zeal can also refer to passion for hobbies, professions, or activities.
What's the opposite of "zeal"?
Apathy or indifference.
Can "eagerness" indicate impatience?
Yes, in some contexts, excessive eagerness can imply impatience.
Can "zeal" be momentary?
While it often indicates sustained passion, in some contexts, it can mean momentary intense enthusiasm.
What's the opposite of "eagerness"?
Indifference or reluctance.
Is "zeal" always about positive endeavors?
Mostly, but it can be used in contexts where the fervor might be seen negatively (e.g., zeal for revenge).
Can organizations display "eagerness" or "zeal"?
Yes, organizations can be described as eager to achieve goals or having zeal for a mission.
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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.
