ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived.
the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded
enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity.
never showed much enthusiasm for sports
zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause.
preaches with fanatical zeal
Example Sentences
… he was uncomfortable with their lavish parties and their collector's zeal for the most expensive, most ostentatious brand names—Rolex and Prada and Farragamo. Anne Tyler, Digging to America, 2006In 1248, channelling his piety into crusading zeal, Louis embarked on the Seventh Crusade, against the wishes of the Pope and against the judgement of his counsellors. Alistair Horne, Seven Ages of Paris, 2002He showed his anatomical zeal by robbing a wayside gibbet, smuggling the bones back home and reconstructing the skeleton. Roy Porter, The Greatest Benefit to Mankind, 1997
Recent Examples on the WebTo be sure, U.S. private military contractors—such as Blackwater (now called Academi)—have pursued new clients with similar zeal. Elisabeth Braw, WSJ, 7 Sep. 2022 This youthful organizing zeal is about to be sorely tested. Laurent Belsie, The Christian Science Monitor, 18 May 2022 Now, a new Netflix documentary examines the brand and its legacy, arguing that Abercrombie’s corporate culture was even more noxious than the cologne its employees dispensed with zeal at malls across the country. Meredith Blakestaff Writer, Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2022 There’s a lot of zeal, debate, and confusion about NFTs right now, and for good reason. Andrew Weaver, Outside Online, 20 July 2022 Beneath that, opposition will come from the religious zeal of the right that hallows guns and holds as sacred white Americans’ unfettered access to them. Samuel L. Perry, Time, 25 May 2022 Still, how much of this trend is motivated by political activism, entrepreneurial zeal, and women who fear losing their reproductive rights is unclear. Frank Witsil, Detroit Free Press, 5 May 2022 Jarrín relays the play-by-play of the game, of course, but also the zeal of the game, like when the crowd gives a standing ovation to Fernando Valenzuela, one of the many players whose career Jarrín has witnessed. Eva Recinos, Los Angeles Times, 10 Nov. 2021 The zeal to root out political extremism, while not without merit, can easily ensnare ordinary citizens if not pursued with restraint. W. James Antle Iii, The Week, 26 May 2021 See More
Word History
Etymology
Middle English zele, from Late Latin zelus, from Greek zēlos