DictionaryAI

enthusiasm

noun
in-THOO-zee-az-uhm/ɪnˈθjuːziæz(ə)m/in-THYOO-zee-az-uhm/ɪnˈθjuːziæz(ə)m/

Pluralenthusiasms (some meanings)

3 meanings of enthusiasm

Practice

  1. 1
    noununcountable
    A strong feeling of excitement and interest in something.

    Like a spark inside you that makes you want to start right away.

    The kids showed great enthusiasm for the new playground.

    Her enthusiasm made everyone on the team want to help.

    Similareagerness, zeal, passion, keenness, excitement

    Oppositeapathy, indifference, reluctance, boredom

    Note
  2. 2
    nouncountable
    A hobby or interest that someone really cares about and enjoys.

    Gardening is his greatest enthusiasm these days.

    She has many enthusiasms, from chess to painting.

    Similarpassion, interest, hobby, pursuit

    Note
  3. 3
    nounobsoletehistoricaluncountable
    A state in which a god is believed to fill a person, causing wild inspiration or frenzy.

    Like feeling that a powerful force has taken over your body and is speaking through you.

    The prophet spoke in a strange voice, seized by divine enthusiasm.

    The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.
    1946, Bertrand Russell, History of Western PhilosophyHere, enthusiasm means being filled by a god, feeling joined with the god.
    Note

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Origin

First seen in 1603. It comes from Greek words meaning "in," "god," and "essence."