OVER ZEALOUS Meaning and
Definition
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Over-zealous is an adjective used to describe someone who exhibits an excessive or extreme level of enthusiasm, passion, or commitment towards a particular activity, cause, or belief. This term is often used to depict individuals who display an overbearing and exaggerated fervor that exceeds what is considered normal or reasonable.
When someone is over-zealous, they tend to be excessive in their actions or expressions, going beyond what is typically expected or accepted by others. Their enthusiasm can be seen as excessive, intense, or even obsessive, often bordering on fanaticism. These individuals may become so engrossed in their pursuits that they lose sight of rationality or overlook the perspectives and opinions of others.
People who are over-zealous often exhibit an unwavering dedication and may go to great lengths to advocate for their cause or promote their views, often without considering the consequences. This excessive and unchecked enthusiasm can result in negative outcomes or unintended consequences. Overzealous behavior can cause others to become wary or distant, perceiving the individual as overly intense or pushy.
It is essential to differentiate between being passionate and being over-zealous. While passion demonstrates a sincere and genuine interest, over-zealousness denotes an extreme and exaggerated level of intensity or dedication. Balance and moderation are key in order to avoid alienating others or ignoring compromises and alternative perspectives.
Etymology of OVER ZEALOUS
The word "overzealous" is derived from the combination of two separate words: "over" and "zealous".
The term "zealous" originates from the Middle English word "zelous", which can be traced back to the Old French word "zelos" and the Late Latin word "zelosus". Both "zélos" in French and "zelosus" in Latin derive from the Greek word "zēlos", meaning "zeal" or "ardor".
The prefix "over" simply means "excessive" or "too much". Therefore, when combined, "over" intensifies the meaning of "zealous", resulting in "overzealous" meaning excessively or overly eager, enthusiastic, or fervent in pursuing something.
Similar spelling words for OVER ZEALOUS
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