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zealousy. In DICTIOUS you will not only get to know all the dictionary meanings for the word
zealousy, but we will also tell you about its etymology, its characteristics and you will know how to say
zealousy in singular and plural. Everything you need to know about the word
zealousy you have here. The definition of the word
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English
Etymology
From Ancient Greek ζῆλος (zêlos, “zeal, jealousy”), from ζηλόω (zēlóō, “to emulate, to be jealous”), equivalent to zealous + -y.
Noun
zealousy (uncountable)
- Zeal; zealotry.
1922, Retail Clerks International Advocate: 1922-23 - Volumes 29-30, page 5:We all make mistakes, some more frequently than others. It should not be our purpose to condemn each other for mistakes made. Neither should we, with bitter partisan zealousy, condone all wrongs committed.
- The passionate desire for an exclusive relationship.
1898, Frank Harris, A Daughter of Eve:Anyway, she was with him now more than with any of us. It made me angry and scornful, kept my zealousy alive, prevented me from understanding her or forgiving—I always saw the two heads together and the fatal kiss.
2011, Pure Emotion, page 93:There's a fine line, starting with a comparison in a relationship and moving toward either zealousy, a fervent passion to protect an exclusive relationship, and envy, a resentment about a difference and desire to conquer that difference.
Usage notes
(passionate desire for exclusive relationship): Zealousy is similar to jealousy, but usually has more positive connotations, focusing predominantly on the desire for connection rather than anger at betrayal or a lack of exclusivity.