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

Now Tinder will find out if audiences in the rest of the world, where its competes with a large roster of other dating apps, will respond to “Swipe Night” with the same level of enthusiasm.

From TechCrunch

Hadiqa Bashir, on an attempted marriage when she was 11When we chat, Bashir’s voice is filled with a nonchalant and childish enthusiasm, and yet there is something omniscient about the way she speaks.

From Ozy

Despite pleas to stay away, the president said his visit to Kenosha would “increase enthusiasm” in Wisconsin—a key battleground state ahead of November’s presidential election.

From Fortune

Sprokkreeff offered a company-wide mental health day at Webprofits this year, to much enthusiasm.

From Fortune

The upcoming four-for-one stock split, a move that has no effect on share price but often spurs investor enthusiasm, is one measure of Apple’s success under Cook.

From Fortune

And similar shards of enthusiasm-killing kryptonite are lodged in John Kasich, Mike Pence and Ted Cruz.

From The Daily Beast

Having finally seen Selma on November 17, I must report, sadly, that I do not share the enthusiasm the film has generated so far.

From The Daily Beast

With the exception of New Hampshire, Paul has not demonstrated potential enthusiasm in the early primary states.

From The Daily Beast

Yet for all his enthusiasm for the American film industry, he remained forever an expatriate.

From The Daily Beast

I so loved the fierce bodily contact of football that I suppose my enthusiasm made up somewhat for my lack of size.

From The Daily Beast

These practical demonstrations occurred usually in the opening enthusiasm of the term.

From Project Gutenberg

In Manila particularly, amidst the pealing of bells and strains of music, unfeigned enthusiasm and joy were everywhere evident.

From Project Gutenberg

Man's enthusiasm in praise of a fellow mortal, is soon damped by the original sin of his nature—rebellious pride!

From Project Gutenberg

Nigel's enthusiasm seemed almost visibly to exhale from the paper as Isaacson held the letter in his hands.

From Project Gutenberg

To attempt to cut out Mrs. Kaye I should need a little genuine enthusiasm; and frankly, your beloved prodigy does not inspire it.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

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