enthuse
Americanverb (used without object)
verb (used with object)
verb
Usage
The verb enthuse is a 19th-century back formation from the noun enthusiasm. Originally an Americanism, enthuse is now standard and well established in the speech and all but the most formal writing of educated persons, in both Britain and the United States. It is used as a transitive verb meaning “to cause to become enthusiastic” ( The liveliness of the dance enthused the audience ) and as an intransitive verb meaning “to show enthusiasm” ( She enthused warmly over his performance ). Despite its long history and frequent occurrence, however, enthuse is still strongly disapproved of by many.
Other Word Forms
- quasi-enthused adjective
- unenthused adjective
Etymology
Origin of enthuse
1820–30, back formation from enthusiasm
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Be that as it may, one doubts that crypto ETF investors at Vanguard are as enthused right now.
From Barron's
“These have been selling very well,” the clerk enthuses, taking a delicate, ribboned silk blouse out of the tray in front of her.
From Literature
The appearance of humanoids in a South Carolina plant has unnerved some former Schaeffler workers and enthused others.
Others remain not so enthused about the upcoming time shift.
From MarketWatch
“Great!” the man enthused, ignoring or not hearing the surlier comments.
From Literature
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
