Basic Details
Word: Zealot
Part of Speech: Noun
Meaning: A person who is very passionate and fanatical about a particular belief or cause.
Synonyms: Fanatic, extremist, enthusiast
Antonyms: Moderate, disbeliever
Idioms and Phrases
- Zeal without knowledge is fire without light: This means that being enthusiastic without understanding can lead to poor outcomes. Example: "He was a zealot about his ideas, but his zeal without knowledge made it hard for others to follow."
- Zealot at heart: Referring to someone who is deeply committed to their beliefs. Example: "She is a zealot at heart, always ready to defend her values and beliefs."
Usage Examples
Example 1: The zealot spoke passionately about his cause, inspiring many to join the movement.
Example 2: Her friends often teased her for being a health zealot, as she always promoted healthy eating.
Example 3: A zealot may sometimes push their beliefs onto others, which can create tension in conversations.
Fun Fact
Did you know the word "zealot" has its origins from a Jewish political movement in the first century, where members were known for their fervent opposition to Roman rule? This group was passionate about their beliefs, setting the stage for how we use the term today.
Famous Quote
"In matters of principle, stand like a rock; in matters of taste, swim with the current." Thomas Jefferson
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "zealot" mean?
a) A calm person
b) Someone very passionate about beliefs or causes
c) A person who avoids conflict
d) A general term for any leader
Answer: b) Someone very passionate about beliefs or causes
2. Which of these is a synonym of "zealot"?
a) Enthusiast
b) Bystander
c) Observer
d) Indifferent
Answer: a) Enthusiast
3. Which of these is an antonym of "zealot"?
a) Moderate
b) Fanatic
c) Extremist
d) Partisan
Answer: a) Moderate
4. Which sentence uses "zealot" correctly?
a) The zealot was afraid to express her opinions.
b) The zealot easily adapted to everyone’s views.
c) The zealot marched for her cause with great determination.
d) The zealot didn’t care about her beliefs.
Answer: c) The zealot marched for her cause with great determination.
5. What does the idiom "zeal without knowledge is fire without light" mean?
a) Being enthusiastic is always positive.
b) Passion without understanding can lead to mistakes.
c) Knowledge is better than enthusiasm.
d) Only zealots have good ideas.
Answer: b) Passion without understanding can lead to mistakes.
