Jealous vs. Zealous: What's the Difference?
By Harlon Moss || Updated on May 30, 2024
"Jealous" refers to feelings of envy or suspicion regarding someone's success or relationships, while "Zealous" denotes being fervently enthusiastic or passionate about a cause or activity.
Key Differences
"Jealous" describes a state of envy or suspicion, often related to someone's achievements, possessions, or relationships. For example, someone might feel jealous of a friend's promotion at work, indicating a desire for the same success or a fear of losing status. "Zealous," on the other hand, refers to being intensely enthusiastic or passionate about a particular cause or activity. A zealous person shows great energy and dedication, such as being zealous in advocating for social justice or promoting environmental conservation.
Jealousy often carries a negative connotation, as it involves envy and insecurity. It can lead to feelings of resentment and mistrust. For example, a jealous partner might feel threatened by their significant other's interactions with others. Zealousness is generally viewed positively, reflecting commitment and ardor. A zealous individual is highly motivated and proactive in their pursuits. For example, a zealous volunteer might dedicate numerous hours to charitable work with great enthusiasm.
While "jealous" is rooted in emotional responses related to competition or fear of loss, "zealous" is connected to strong positive motivation and eagerness. Understanding this distinction is important in accurately conveying feelings or attitudes in different contexts.
Comparison Chart
Definition
Feeling envy or suspicion
Showing fervent enthusiasm or passion
Connotation
Generally negative
Generally positive
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Emotional Basis
Envy, insecurity
Enthusiasm, dedication
Example Context
Jealous of a colleague's success
Zealous in promoting a cause
Associated Feelings
Resentment, mistrust
Commitment, ardor
Jealous and Zealous Definitions
Jealous
Protective or vigilant about one's rights or possessions.
She was jealous of her privacy.
Zealous
Filled with fervor and enthusiasm.
His zealous approach inspired others.
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Jealous
Feeling envy of someone's achievements or possessions.
She felt jealous of her friend's new car.
Zealous
Showing great eagerness or dedication.
They were zealous supporters of the new policy.
Jealous
Resentful towards someone's success or advantages.
His jealous remarks revealed his envy.
Zealous
Passionately devoted to a task or goal.
She was zealous in her efforts to improve education.
Jealous
Desiring what someone else has.
The jealous employee wanted the same recognition.
Zealous
Highly motivated and committed.
The zealous employee worked late hours.
Jealous
Fearful or wary of losing one's position or situation to someone else, especially in a sexual relationship
Her new boyfriend was jealous of her male friends.
Zealous
Showing strong and energetic support for a cause.
The zealous activist organized daily protests.
Jealous
Envious or resentful of the good fortune or achievements of another
I felt jealous when my coworker got a promotion. See Usage Note below.
Zealous
Filled with or motivated by zeal; fervent.
Jealous
Having to do with or arising from feelings of apprehension, bitterness, or envy
Jealous thoughts.
Zealous
Full of zeal; ardent, fervent; exhibiting enthusiasm or strong passion.
Jealous
Vigilant in guarding something
We are jealous of our good name.
Zealous
Filled with, or characterized by, zeal; warmly engaged, or ardent, in behalf of an object.
He may be zealous in the salvation of souls.
Jealous
Intolerant of disloyalty or infidelity; autocratic
A jealous god.
Zealous
Filled with religious zeal.
Jealous
Suspecting rivalry in love; troubled by worries that one might have been replaced in someone's affections; suspicious of a lover's or spouse's fidelity.
Zealous
Marked by active interest and enthusiasm;
An avid sports fan
A great walker
An eager beaver
Jealous
Protective; zealously guarding; careful in the protection of something (or someone) one has or appreciates, especially one's spouse or lover.
Jealous
Envious; feeling resentful or angered toward someone for a perceived advantage or success, material or otherwise.
I'm jealous because I'm single.
Jealous
Suspecting, suspicious.
Jealous
Zealous; solicitous; vigilant; anxiously watchful.
I have been very jealous for the Lord God of hosts.
How nicely jealous is every one of us of his own repute!
Jealous
Apprehensive; anxious; suspiciously watchful.
'This doing wrong creates such doubts as these,Renders us jealous and disturbs our peace.
The people are so jealous of the clergy's ambition.
Jealous
Demanding exclusive devotion; intolerant of rivalry.
Thou shalt worship no other God; for the Lord, whose name is Jealous, is a jealous God.
Jealous
Disposed to suspect rivalry in matters of interest and affection; apprehensive regarding the motives of possible rivals, or the fidelity of friends; distrustful; having morbid fear of rivalry in love or preference given to another; painfully suspicious of the faithfulness of husband, wife, or lover.
If the spirit of jealousy come upon him, and he be jealous of his wife.
To both these sisters have I sworn my love:Each jealous of the other, as the stungAre of the adder.
It is one of the best bonds, both of chastity and obedience, in the wife, if she think her husband wise; which she will never do if she find him jealous.
Jealous
Showing extreme cupidity; painfully desirous of another's advantages;
He was never covetous before he met her
Jealous of his success and covetous of his possessions
Envious of their art collection
Jealous
Suspicious or unduly suspicious or fearful of being displaced by a rival;
A jealous lover
Jealous
Suspicious or fearful of losing affection or position.
He was jealous when his partner talked to others.
FAQs
Can "jealous" describe protective behavior?
Yes, it can describe being protective or vigilant about one's rights or possessions.
Is "zealous" positive or negative?
It is generally positive, associated with enthusiasm and dedication.
How is "zealous" commonly used?
It is used to describe passionate support or enthusiasm, such as being zealous in a cause.
What does "jealous" mean?
It means feeling envy or suspicion regarding someone's success or relationships.
What does "zealous" mean?
It means showing fervent enthusiasm or passion about a cause or activity.
Can you be jealous of a friend?
Yes, you can feel jealous of a friend's achievements or possessions.
Does "jealous" relate to competition?
Yes, jealousy often involves feelings of competition or fear of loss.
Does "zealous" relate to motivation?
Yes, being zealous involves strong motivation and proactive behavior.
Is "jealous" positive or negative?
It is generally negative, associated with envy and insecurity.
How is "jealous" commonly used?
It is used to describe feelings of envy or suspicion, such as being jealous of someone's success.
Can jealousy be healthy?
In small amounts, it can be normal, but excessive jealousy is often harmful.
Can you be zealous about a hobby?
Yes, you can be zealous about a hobby by showing great enthusiasm and dedication.
What are signs of zealousness?
Signs include passion, enthusiasm, and commitment.
Is "jealous" always about relationships?
No, it can also refer to envy of achievements or possessions.
Can jealousy lead to negative behavior?
Yes, it can lead to resentment and harmful actions.
Can zealousness lead to positive outcomes?
Yes, it often leads to proactive and committed efforts towards goals.
Can "zealous" describe dedication?
Yes, it describes strong dedication and motivation towards a task or goal.
What are signs of jealousy?
Signs include envy, resentment, and suspicion.
Is "zealous" always about causes?
No, it can also refer to enthusiastic pursuit of any interest or task.
Is zealotry ever negative?
Excessive zeal (zealotry) can be negative if it leads to fanaticism or intolerance.
About Author
Written by
Harlon MossHarlon is a seasoned quality moderator and accomplished content writer for Difference Wiki. An alumnus of the prestigious University of California, he earned his degree in Computer Science. Leveraging his academic background, Harlon brings a meticulous and informed perspective to his work, ensuring content accuracy and excellence.
