enthusiasm
[ en-thoo-zee-az-uhm ]
/ ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm /
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noun
absorbing or controlling possession of the mind by any interest or pursuit; lively interest: He shows marked enthusiasm for his studies.
an occupation, activity, or pursuit in which such interest is shown: Hunting is his latest enthusiasm.
any of various forms of extreme religious devotion, usually associated with intense emotionalism and a break with orthodoxy.
SYNONYMS FOR enthusiasm
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Origin of enthusiasm
OTHER WORDS FROM enthusiasm
Words nearby enthusiasm
enthralled, enthralling, enthrone, enthronement, enthuse, enthusiasm, enthusiast, enthusiastic, enthymeme, entice, enticement
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021
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British Dictionary definitions for enthusiasm
enthusiasm
/ (ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæzəm) /
noun
ardent and lively interest or eagerness
an object of keen interest; passion
archaic extravagant or unbalanced religious fervour
obsolete possession or inspiration by a god
Word Origin for enthusiasm
C17: from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from en- ² + theos god
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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