What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
zeal
Example
She approached her work with great zeal and dedication. [zeal: noun]
Example
He was zealous in his pursuit of justice for all. [zealous: adjective]
ardor
Example
The young couple's ardor for each other was evident in their every action. [ardor: noun]
Example
She spoke with ardor about her love for music. [ardor: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Zeal is more commonly used than ardor in everyday language. Zeal is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while ardor is less common and has a more limited usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between zeal and ardor?
Ardor is more formal than zeal and is often used in literary or poetic contexts. Zeal is more informal and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.