In French, the word for "zeal" is "zèle." It is a noun that can be used in various forms depending on its grammatical function in a sentence. Here are some of the most common forms:
- Noun: zèle
- Adjective: zélé
- Pronoun: zèle
Examples of Usage
Noun
1. L'enseignant a beaucoup de zèle pour son travail.
(The teacher has a lot of zeal for their work.)
2. Le zèle des volontaires a permis de réparer rapidement les dommages.
(The zeal of the volunteers allowed for quick repairs of the damages.)
Adjective
1. Il a un zèle inébranlable pour la protection de l'environnement.
(He has an unwavering zeal for environmental protection.)
2. Ses zèle et son dévouement ont fait de lui un excellent employé.
(His zeal and dedication made him an excellent employee.)
Pronoun
1. Il a beaucoup de zèle pour son travail, mais il manque de discernement.
(He has a lot of zeal for his work, but he lacks discernment.)
Notes on Usage
The word "zèle" can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, it is essential to be aware of the nuances of its usage in different situations. For example, using "zèle" as an adjective may be more appropriate in a formal context, while using it as a noun may be more suitable in an informal setting.
Additionally, it is important to note that "zèle" can sometimes have negative connotations, such as when it implies blind enthusiasm or fanaticism. In such cases, it may be more appropriate to use a synonym like "enthousiasme" or "passion."
Word Origin
The word "zèle" comes from the Latin word "zelus," which means "jealousy" or "zeal." It is related to the verb "zeler," which means "to be jealous" or "to be zealous."
Additional Variations
There are no significant variations of the word "zèle" in French. However, it is essential to be aware of the different forms of the word, as explained earlier, to use it correctly in various contexts.