enthusiastically

American

[en-thoo-zee-as-tik-lee] / ɛnˌθu ziˈæs tɪk li /

adverb

with lively interest or enthusiasm; eagerly; ardently or passionately.

When not volunteering or working, she enthusiastically pursues outdoor activities such as biking and hiking.

Other Word Forms

antienthusiastically adverb
hyperenthusiastically adverb
nonenthusiastically adverb
overenthusiastically adverb
pseudoenthusiastically adverb
quasi-enthusiastically adverb
unenthusiastically adverb

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."

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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.

Yet, the three — even Cavallari and Conrad, who were pitted against each other in the 2000s — were warm and chummy, cracking jokes and enthusiastically agreeing with one another.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 9, 2026

And, while enthusiastically embracing the therapist’s narrative, the majority persistently portrays her as a victim of Colorado’s attack on her free speech.

From Slate • Apr. 3, 2026

Over half of the works Seurat produced before his death at age 31 were seascapes, and, unlike his figural canvases, were greeted enthusiastically by critics and viewers.

From The Wall Street Journal • Mar. 28, 2026

Some schools follow them enthusiastically, while others soften or sidestep them.

From BBC • Mar. 20, 2026

“Good, good! oh, you so clever lady!” said Van Helsing, enthusiastically, as he stooped and kissed her hand.

From "Dracula" by Bram Stoker

Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023