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: devotion, passion, ardor, zeal, fervor, warmth, eagerness
   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 Word Forms

• antienthusiasm noun
• hyperenthusiasm noun
• overenthusiasm noun
• preenthusiasm noun
• unenthusiasm 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

“Matt could do that, but he had this other deal. I was impressed because his enthusiasm was really good.”

Read more on Los Angeles Times

AI chipmaker Nvidia has led the stock market rally, becoming the world’s most valuable company on the back of the AI enthusiasm.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

While enthusiasm for artificial intelligence companies has pushed the stock market to record highs, increasing state tax revenue, the report warned the boost likely won’t last.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

Just a few months ago, investors viewed such deals with enthusiasm, pumping up shares for a variety of AI-related companies, but this week one such deal—between Nvidia, Microsoft and Anthropic—was greeted warily.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Nor is the other big question facing tech today dampening the enthusiasm around advancing AI's potential.

Read more on BBC

Related Words

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