A–Z Vocabulary
High-impact IELTS words starting with Z — zeal, zenith, zeitgeist and more — with definitions, examples and memory tricks.
10 / 10 words
noun
Definition
Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or objective.
Example sentence
“Young climate activists have pursued their cause with a zeal that has reshaped political agendas worldwide.”
Memory trick
Sounds like 'seal' of approval — zeal is sealed enthusiasm.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Showing great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause.
Example sentence
“The zealous campaigning of environmental groups has successfully halted several major fossil fuel projects.”
Memory trick
Adjective form of zeal — full of zeal.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The time at which something is most powerful or successful; the highest point.
Example sentence
“The traditional newspaper industry reached its zenith in the late twentieth century before digital disruption.”
Memory trick
Like the sun at its zenith — highest point in the sky.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
The defining spirit, mood, or ideas of a particular period.
Example sentence
“Concerns about authenticity and privacy now dominate the cultural zeitgeist.”
Memory trick
German: 'Zeit' (time) + 'Geist' (spirit) — the spirit of the time.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
Great enthusiasm and energy; a quality of excitement.
Example sentence
“A renewed zest for sustainable living has reshaped consumer markets across Europe.”
Memory trick
Lemon zest adds excitement — zest = added enthusiasm.
Common collocations
noun / verb
Definition
(n.) An area distinguished from neighbouring parts; (v.) to divide into such areas.
Example sentence
“Cities increasingly zone certain districts as low-emission areas to combat air pollution.”
Memory trick
Like a 'time zone' or 'comfort zone' — a defined area.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Describing a situation in which one party's gain is exactly balanced by another party's loss.
Example sentence
“International trade need not be a zero-sum game; well-designed agreements can benefit all participants.”
Memory trick
Sum equals zero — what one wins, the other loses.
Common collocations
verb
Definition
To move very quickly; to focus closely on something.
Example sentence
“Recent analyses zoom in on the role of housing costs in driving inequality across major cities.”
Memory trick
The sound and action of moving fast — zoom in to focus.
Common collocations
noun
Definition
A person who is fanatical and uncompromising in pursuit of their ideals.
Example sentence
“Effective policy reform requires balanced advocates rather than ideological zealots on either side.”
Memory trick
From zeal — a zealot has too much zeal.
Common collocations
adjective
Definition
Relating to the scientific study of animals.
Example sentence
“Modern zoological research now plays a key role in shaping global conservation strategies.”
Memory trick
Like 'zoo' — about animals.
Common collocations