zealous crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "zealous crossword clue", you've come to the right place. We provide a comprehensive list of answers, explanations, and tips to help you conquer your puzzle.
Solutions for "zealous crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
KEEN: Having or showing eagerness or enthusiasm; very interested in something.
5 Letters
EAGER: (Most common) Wanting to do or have something very much; characterized by intense enthusiasm or interest.
6 Letters
ARDENT: Enthusiastic or passionate; burning with zeal.
FERVID: Intensely enthusiastic or passionate, often to an excessive degree.
7 Letters
FANATIC: A person filled with excessive and single-minded zeal, especially for an extreme religious or political cause.
DEVOTED: Very loyal and committed; expressing deep love or loyalty.
More About "zealous crossword clue"
The word "zealous" describes someone who displays great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective. It originates from the Greek word "zelos," meaning 'emulation, rivalry, or fervent passion.' In crossword puzzles, clues involving 'zealous' often aim to test your vocabulary range for synonyms that convey varying degrees of this intense enthusiasm, from simple eagerness to fervent dedication or even fanaticism.
Understanding the nuances of its synonyms is key to selecting the correct answer. For instance, while 'eager' might fit a general sense of enthusiasm, 'fervid' implies a more intense, almost burning passion. Crossword setters love to use such distinctions to make puzzles more challenging, ensuring you consider the context and any other hinting words in the clue.
When you encounter a clue like "zealous," think about the various contexts in which zeal can be expressed – from a keen interest in a hobby to an ardent devotion to a belief. This mental exploration of related concepts can help unlock the specific word the puzzle setter is looking for, especially when combined with the letter count constraint.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Word Length: Always check the number of letters required for the answer first. This immediately eliminates many possibilities and guides your synonym search.
- Consider Nuances and Context: Words like 'zealous' have many synonyms with subtle differences. Pay close attention to other words in the clue; for example, "excessively zealous" might point to 'FANATIC' rather than just 'EAGER'.
- Think of Related Concepts: If a direct synonym doesn't come to mind, consider related concepts or common phrases that use the word. For 'zealous', think about words describing passion, dedication, or intense interest.
- Use Cross-References: If you have some letters filled in from intersecting words, use them as powerful hints. Even one or two letters can significantly narrow down the possibilities for 'zealous' answers.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'zealous' mean in a crossword context?
In crosswords, 'zealous' typically refers to someone showing great energy or enthusiasm for a cause or objective. Common synonyms include eager, keen, ardent, fervent, and passionate. The clue often requires you to find a word that conveys intense dedication or excitement.
How can I find synonyms for 'zealous' when solving crosswords?
To find synonyms for 'zealous', consider its core meaning of intense enthusiasm. Think about words that describe passion, devotion, or strong interest. Looking at the number of letters required for the answer is also crucial, as it narrows down options like 'EAGER' (5 letters) versus 'FANATIC' (7 letters).
Are there common tricky clues related to 'zealous'?
Yes, 'zealous' can be tricky because its synonyms sometimes have slightly different connotations. For example, 'fanatic' implies an extreme or obsessive zeal, while 'keen' can be more general enthusiasm. Pay attention to any other words in the clue that might hint at the specific nuance required, such as 'excessively' or 'ardent supporter'.