# zeal vs zest

> English confusable word pair

## The two words

### zeal
*noun · IPA /ziːl/ · frequency rank #20,275*
The fervour or tireless devotion for a person, cause, or ideal and determination in its furtherance; diligent enthusiasm; powerful interest.

### zest
*noun · IPA /zɛst/ · frequency rank #22,868*
The outer skin of a citrus fruit, used as a flavouring or garnish.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/vs/zeal-vs-zest