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

But there was more lifting quantum stocks on Tuesday than general enthusiasm.

From Barron's • Apr. 14, 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

“Despite the risks, investor enthusiasm for these emerging-market equity ETFs should continue in the months ahead as demand for AI chip manufacturing and computer power grows,” says Jacobs.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 10, 2026

As in Europe, a government-sponsored propaganda campaign in the United States promoted anti-German feelings and enthusiasm for the war effort.

From "The War to End All Wars: World War I" by Russell Freedman

Related Words

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