enthusiasm

[en-thoo-zee-az-uhm]

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.

enthusiasm

/ 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

Other Word Forms

• antienthusiasm noun
• hyperenthusiasm noun
• overenthusiasm noun
• preenthusiasm noun
• unenthusiasm noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm¹

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. )

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiasm¹

C17: from Late Latin enthūsiasmus, from Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be possessed by a god, from entheos inspired, from _en- ² + theos god

Example Sentences

“Romulus” could relaunch the saga for the next generation or it might be a passing enthusiasm.

From Salon

He talked with an enthusiasm about digital ID cards I had never heard before as a potential tool for tackling illegal immigration.

From BBC

Koman: What makes newspapers different than other businesses or other jobs is that people do arrive with a sense of enthusiasm for what they’re going to do.

From Los Angeles Times

There was plenty of enthusiasm there for the former Labour leader.

From BBC

Its debut album became one of the most anticipated releases of the early decade, with a volume of enthusiasm comparable to the Smiths’ arrival just over a decade before.

From Los Angeles Times

Related Words

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