enthusiast

[ en-thoo-zee-ast, -ist ]

noun

1. a person who is filled with enthusiasm for some principle, pursuit, etc.; a person of ardent zeal:

   a sports enthusiast.

   Synonyms: fan, devotee, zealot

2. a religious visionary or fanatic.

enthusiast

/ ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæst /

noun

1. a person filled with or motivated by enthusiasm; fanatic
2. archaic.
   a religious visionary, esp one whose zeal for religion is extravagant or unbalanced

Other Words From

• anti·en·thusi·ast noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiast¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Greek enthousiastḗs “inspired person, possessed person,” from enthousí(a) “possession by a god” ( enthusiasm ) + -astēs -ast ( def ) (variant of -istēs -ist after i )

Example Sentences

Dinosaur enthusiasts voted to keep the name that stuck as soon as it came out of the Earth: Gnatalie.

From Los Angeles Times

Many Bitcoin enthusiasts and reporters visited the area, briefly boosting tourism to the country.

From BBC

One man among the throng had travelled a little less far than other enthusiasts - he had journeyed from a few hundred metres away in the village.

From BBC

The racetrack’s last Thursday Night Thunder — where enthusiasts can bring their own cars to race on the drag strip or burn rubber in the burnout box — is set for Dec. 5.

From Los Angeles Times

He is, though, an enthusiast of spectacular, offensive football, with lots of goals, domination and control.

From BBC

Related Words

• addict
• admirer
• aficionado
• believer
• buff
• devotee
• fan
• fanatic
• follower
• lover
• participant
• supporter
• zealot