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.
“I ate them enthusiastically and ended up getting full before the main course arrived,” he wrote in a highly relatable X message.
From The Wall Street Journal • Jun. 19, 2026
There’s something undeniably funny about watching international visitors enthusiastically embrace the very American foods that so often get mocked abroad.
From Salon • Jun. 17, 2026
"Of course, our happy chemicals are released too -- endorphins -- and that's what makes us feel more energised and motivated," she said after her game, which was enthusiastically cheered on from the sidelines.
From Barron's • Jun. 15, 2026
F1 boss Stefano Domenicali is also open to a V8, but at the same time he has spoken enthusiastically about the new style of back-and-forth - or "yo-yo racing" - created by this year's engines.
From BBC • May 14, 2026
Abby opened her sandwich bag, turned the bag inside out, and enthusiastically licked all the tuna salad off.
From "Earthquake Terror" by Peg Kehret
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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.