enthusiasm

[ en-thoo-zee-az-uhm ]

noun

1. absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest:

   He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies.

   Synonyms: eagerness, devotion, passion, ardor, zeal, fervor, warmth

   Antonyms: indifference

2. an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown:

   Hunting is his latest enthusiasm.

3. any of various forms of extreme religious devotion, usually associated with intense emotionalism and a break with orthodoxy.

enthusiasm

/ ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæzəm /

noun

1. ardent and lively interest or eagerness
2. an object of keen interest; passion
3. archaic.
   extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour
4. obsolete.
   possession or inspiration by a god

Other Words From

• anti·en·thusi·asm noun
• hyper·en·thusi·asm noun
• over·en·thusi·asm noun
• preen·thusi·asm noun
• unen·thusi·asm noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm¹

First recorded in 1570–80; from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmós, from enthousí(a) “possession by a god” ( énthous, variant of éntheos “having a god within,” from en- en- ² + -thous, -theos “possessed by a god” + -ia -y ³( def ) ) + -asmos, variant (after vowel stems) of -ismos -ism; theism ( def )

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm¹

C17: from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from en- ² + theos god

Example Sentences

But his enthusiasm is infectious, and it is clear how much inspiration he draws from his fellow coaches.

From BBC

But enthusiasm around nuclear energy is not without its critics.

From BBC

Ben Mullin, the New York Times’ media reporter, described the media group’s fundraising as "a sign that some outlets are tapping a surge of enthusiasm for adversarial journalism post-election".

From BBC

Her apparent lack of enthusiasm was almost immediately evident, when she failed to turn up at the first ever meeting of a new Council of the Nations and Regions in Edinburgh just days into the job.

From BBC

And selling herself and her hospital to the camera crew, McLendon-Covey turns herself up high, a tempest of real and forced enthusiasm.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

• ardor
• devotion
• eagerness
• emotion
• energy
• feeling
• fervor
• frenzy
• fury
• intensity
• interest
• joy
• passion
• spirit
• warmth
• zeal