Zealot (Noun)

Sentence with Context:

It seems that, in the past five years, a Baptist seminary in Dallas has taken on Mardi Gras in New Orleans as its primary missionary foray. So, two busloads of misinformed, disoriented, self‑righteous and obnoxious zealots show up each year just before Carnival. They rally on the outskirts of the French Quarter, driving each other into religious frenzies, then march into the Vieux Carré dragging huge wooden crosses.

Source: www.theguardian.com

As it happens, I am a soppy, broad-church Anglican who dislikes any sort of religious enthusiasm or sectarianism, given to hiding behind a pillar during Evensong. I don’t especially want to undermine anyone’s faith, even that of atheists. Surely, it is Mr Pullman, with his self-declared hostile intent towards the Church, who is the zealot.  

Source: www.theguardian.com

Meaning: A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their religious, political, or other ideals

Synonyms

Fanatic, Enthusiast, Extremist, Radical, Activist, Militant, Bigot, Sectarian, Partisan, Fiend, Maniac, Ultra, Nut, Crusader, Ideologue

Antonyms

Moderate, Non-militant, Dabbler, Dilettante

Mnemonic (Memory Aid): How To Remember?

“Zealot” can be thought of “Zeal“+ “Lot“. Imagine someone showing a lot of zeal, i.e., enthusiasm, so much so that he does not let others say or do anything. He just has his own way! For example, overtly religious people can be zealots – they would not care to listen to other people’s beliefs or lack of beliefs. Remember thus.

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