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zèle

zeal, enthusiasm

noun ZEL Rare
Mind & Emotions Values

Origin: Greek zelos via Latin zelus

Usage Note

Zèle carries a positive connotation of dedicated effort, but the phrase faire du zèle (to be overzealous) is ironic — it describes someone who works too hard in an ostentatious way, often to curry favour. This idiomatic flip is a common source of confusion for learners.

Examples

"Il travaille avec beaucoup de zèle."

Natural Translation

He works with great zeal.

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