enthusiast

[en-thoo-zee-ast, -ist]

noun

1. a person who is filled with enthusiasm for some principle, pursuit, etc.; a person of ardent zeal.

   a sports enthusiast.

   Synonyms: fan, devotee, zealot

2. a religious visionary or fanatic.

enthusiast

/ ɪnˈθjuːzɪˌæst /

noun

1. a person filled with or motivated by enthusiasm; fanatic

2. archaic,  a religious visionary, esp one whose zeal for religion is extravagant or unbalanced

Other Word Forms

• antienthusiast noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of enthusiast¹

First recorded in 1600–10; from Greek enthousiastḗs “inspired person, possessed person,” from enthousí(a) “possession by a god” ( enthusiasm ) + -astēs -ast ( def. ) (variant of -istēs -ist after i )

Example Sentences

And enthusiasts even organized a phalarope festival, where guitar-strumming musicians sang a song in English and Spanish celebrating the far-traveling species.

From Los Angeles Times

He was recruited by the Chinese intelligence officer via social media who at first portrayed himself as a naval enthusiast who worked for the state-owned China Shipbuilding Industry Corporation.

From BBC

While there has historically been an emphasis on music and television, this year the organization is also honoring creators in the beauty and fashion industry as well as podcasters, streamers, travel vloggers and soccer enthusiasts.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also a travel enthusiast and took an interest in “complex” topics including the cosmos and quantum physics.

From Los Angeles Times

These places were never meant to be for the sophisticated “cognoscenti” or fragrance enthusiasts, but the most popular scents and profiles of today bring an air of nostalgia for those youthful, care-free times.

From Salon

Related Words

• addict 
• admirer 
• aficionado 
• believer 
• buff 
• devotee 
• fan 
• fanatic 
• follower 
• lover 
• participant 
• supporter 
• zealot