enthusiastically
Americanadverb
Other Word Forms
Etymology
Origin of enthusiastically
First recorded in 1725–35; enthusiastic ( def. ) + -ally ( def. )
Explanation
When you do something enthusiastically, you do it with excitement and eagerness. You might enthusiastically accept your grandmother's invitation to join her on a European cruise. If you love your job, you'll tend to work enthusiastically, and when your favorite band is playing, you'll wait enthusiastically for them to take the stage. Enthusiastically is a great adverb for describing anything you do cheerfully, or with enthusiasm. The adjective enthusiastic originally meant "possessed by a god," and it comes from the Greek word entheos, "divinely inspired or possessed," combining the roots en, "in," and theos, "god."
Vocabulary lists containing enthusiastically
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.
What you’re looking for is that creamy, almost velvety interior that absorbs olive oil so enthusiastically.
From Salon • Jun. 16, 2026
Dillon Crawford, was described as "enthusiastically and aggressively" pushing his way to the front of the crowd to get to retreating police in Belmont Road.
From BBC • Jun. 10, 2026
"The fact that tens of thousands of people enthusiastically chanted 'I am a God' is a serious matter that demands close examination," he said of Saturday night's performance.
From Barron's • Jun. 2, 2026
Baseman speaks enthusiastically about his work in general, but becomes more animated when talking about cats.
From Los Angeles Times • May 12, 2026
“And then we thought we’d get into the whole area of Defense Against the Dark Arts, because it’s such a money spinner,” continued George enthusiastically.
From "Harry Potter and the Half-Blood Prince" by J.K. Rowling
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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.