ˈɑːdə ˈɑːɹdəɹ ˈiɡɚnəs ˈiːɡənəs eɪˈlɑːn ziːl zil prompt willingness readiness to continue discussions they showed no eagerness to spread the gospel they disliked his zeal in demonstrating his superiority he tried to explain his forwardness in battle excessive fervor to do something or accomplish some end he had an absolute zeal for litigation a feeling of strong eagerness (usually in favor of a person or cause) they were imbued with a revolutionary ardor he felt a kind of religious zeal