Meanings
- uncountableZeal; zealotry.
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.
1922, Retail Clerks International Advocate: 1922-23 - Volumes 29-30, page 5 - uncountableThe passionate desire for an exclusive relationship.
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.
1898, Frank Harris, A Daughter of Eve1 more example
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.
2011, Pure Emotion, page 93
Origin
- Ancient Greekζῆλος“zeal, jealousy”
- Englishzealousy
From Ancient Greek ζῆλος (zêlos, “zeal, jealousy”), from ζηλόω (zēlóō, “to emulate, to be jealous”), equivalent to zealous + -y.
More words from Ancient Greek
Full word history & related roots →Cite this entry
zealousy. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 4, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/zealousy
“zealousy.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/zealousy. Accessed November 4, 2026.
WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “zealousy,” accessed November 4, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/zealousy.
Source: zealousy on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.