enthusiasm

American  

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm] / ɛnˈθu ziˌæz əm /

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.

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enthusiasm British  

/ 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

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Other Word Forms

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

Etymology

Origin of enthusiasm

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. )

Explanation

You might show enthusiasm if you find out that all the shoes are on sale for 70 percent off today. The word enthusiasm indicates intense excitement. The noun enthusiasm comes from the Greek word enthousiasmos, from enthous, meaning “possessed by a god, inspired.” It was originally used in a derogatory sense to describe excessive religious zeal. Today both the religious and derogatory connotations are gone from enthusiasm, but the zeal has survived. Use it to describe great excitement or interest, like what you feel when you’re doing something that you really, really enjoy.

Example Sentences

The S&P 500 has been getting cheaper on a forward price/earnings basis, and enthusiasm has been building among money managers and analysts.

From MarketWatch • Apr. 14, 2026

"I think everyone will welcome Magyar with renewed enthusiasm," an EU official said.

From Barron's • Apr. 13, 2026

That enthusiasm is a far cry from the dread many exhibitors felt this time last year after a disastrous first quarter at the box office.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 13, 2026

And what is so striking is the prime minister's relatively newfound enthusiasm for embracing this debate.

From BBC • Apr. 13, 2026

And even Sunny, who of course was too young to really understand what was going on, bit things with less enthusiasm.

From "The Bad Beginning" by Lemony Snicket

Related Words

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