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; cf. 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

That is uncertain, but what it showed was the cultural aspiration of the post-World War II American middle class: People wanted to be seen as interested in those things, whatever their actual level of enthusiasm.

From Salon • Apr. 19, 2026

His vision for the building has been 20 years in the making, and he’s faced an enormous amount of pushback, but the structure is here and his enthusiasm for it has not waned.

From Los Angeles Times • Apr. 17, 2026

Broadcom has clinched a series of extended AI processor design deals, while Marvell is riding enthusiasm about optical-networking components.

From Barron's • Apr. 17, 2026

Ms. Adelman has put in considerable legwork to complete this book, her enthusiasm leading her occasionally down rabbit holes.

From The Wall Street Journal • Apr. 16, 2026

Hen Wen joined the hunt with enthusiasm, grunting happily, rooting under leaves and stones.

From "The Book of Three" by Lloyd Alexander

Related Words

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