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enthusiasm

noun
en·​thu·​si·​asm | \ in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm How to pronounce enthusiasm (audio) , en- also -ˈthyü-\

Definition of enthusiasm

1a : strong excitement of feeling : ardor did her work with energy and enthusiasm
b : something inspiring zeal or fervor his enthusiasms include sailing and fishing
2a : belief in special revelations of the Holy Spirit
b : religious fanaticism
Synonyms Choose the Right Synonym What is the history of enthusiasm? More Example Sentences Learn More about enthusiasm

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Choose the Right Synonym for enthusiasm

passion, fervor, ardor, enthusiasm, zeal mean intense emotion compelling action. passion applies to an emotion that is deeply stirring or ungovernable. was a slave to his passions fervor implies a warm and steady emotion. read the poem aloud with great fervor ardor suggests warm and excited feeling likely to be fitful or short-lived. the ardor of their honeymoon soon faded enthusiasm applies to lively or eager interest in or admiration for a proposal, cause, or activity. never showed much enthusiasm for sports zeal implies energetic and unflagging pursuit of an aim or devotion to a cause. preaches with fanatical zeal

What is the history of enthusiasm?

It may come as a surprise to many people, when they first look up the word enthusiasm, to see that its original meaning has to do with passion for religion, rather than passionate or eager interest in general. A brief explanation of the word’s etymology should clear this up. Enthusiasm entered the English language around the beginning of the 17th century. It was borrowed from the Greek enthousiasmos, meaning “inspiration or possession by a god.” For the first two hundred or so years that it was used in English, enthusiasm was primarily employed to refer to beliefs or passions that related to religion. By the beginning of the 18th century, however, the word began to be used to describe having strong feelings or interest in secular matters.

Examples of enthusiasm in a Sentence

Hour by hour, minute by minute, Guerrero is a racehorse, sitting upright in a chair, revising copy, clarifying names and places, sprinkling the reports with jokes while a producer talks in her ear—then delivering with breakneck speed and unflagging enthusiasm. — Joel Drucker, Cigar Aficionado, May/June 2003 The Gower has a bewitching effect on my children. Perhaps it is because of having been cooped up in the car for four hours, but once we are negotiating the windy road along this southern Welsh peninsula, they are all gushing with enthusiasm. — Emma Haughton, Times (London), 12 Aug. 2000 Now that he was awake, he couldn't understand how he could have slept through the racket the birds were making. "Oliver," Harry croaked. "It's the crack of dawn." "Exactly," said Wood. He was a tall and burly sixth year and, at the moment, his eyes were gleaming with a crazed enthusiasm. "It's part of our new training program. Come on, grab your broom, and let's go," said Wood heartily. — J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 1999 These days, even the wiliest brand-builders are at least a little anxious about the emerging teenage market, with its stylistic balkanization, shifting folkways and unpredictably spiking enthusiasms. — Hal Espen, New York Times Magazine, 21 Mar. 1999 The party supported its candidate with enthusiasm. He seems to lack enthusiasm for the work he's doing. Among his latest enthusiasms are sailing and fishing.
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Recent Examples on the Web

 Zephyr unveiled the idea of building its development around a surfable wave lagoon in a June community meeting at an Oceanside elementary school, where many of the residents expressed enthusiasm for the plan. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Zephyr files plan for wave resort, homes, retail on former drive-in site," 2 Sep. 2019 But the difficulties in producing the nanotubes at scale dampened enthusiasm for the technology. — Jason Daley, Smithsonian, "Milestone Carbon-Nanotube Microchip Sends First Message: ‘Hello World!’," 30 Aug. 2019 For more than a decade, Apple has held a company event in September or early October to stoke enthusiasm for the iPhone going into the Christmas and holiday shopping season. — Rex Crum, The Mercury News, "New iPhones expected as Apple sets Sept. 10 date for its next ‘special event’," 29 Aug. 2019 Life and Fate’s success reflects the insatiable Western appetite for literature about Soviet crimes; there is far less enthusiasm for stories of Soviet victory. — Sophie Pinkham, The New Republic, "Vasily Grossman’s Lost Epic," 27 Aug. 2019 But the enthusiasm for index insurance has waned somewhat. — The Economist, "The poor, who most need insurance, are least likely to have it," 22 Aug. 2019 The result dampened enthusiasm for a Gulf region that is facing increasing competition from domestic shale fields in West Texas and North Dakota, as well as deepwater offshore fields off the coasts of Brazil and Mexico. — James Osborne, Houston Chronicle, "Gulf oil-gas auction bids down from last summer," 21 Aug. 2019 Princess Kay contestants are judged on their knowledge of and enthusiasm for the dairy industry, in addition to their communication skills, the news release said. — Nick Woltman, Twin Cities, "Olmsted County college student crowned 66th Princess Kay of the Milky Way," 21 Aug. 2019 To understand the various campaigns’ political muscle and enthusiasm for candidates, the annual Wing Ding dinner in northern Iowa is instructive. — Nic Garcia, The Denver Post, "Michael Bennet wants to be on the next presidential primary debate stage. Will Iowa help him get here?," 12 Aug. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'enthusiasm.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of enthusiasm

1595, in the meaning defined at sense 2a

History and Etymology for enthusiasm

Greek enthousiasmos, from enthousiazein to be inspired, irregular from entheos inspired, from en- + theos god

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More Definitions for enthusiasm

enthusiasm

noun
How to pronounce enthusiasm (audio)

English Language Learners Definition of enthusiasm

: strong excitement about something : a strong feeling of active interest in something that you like or enjoy
: something causing a feeling of excitement and active interest : a hobby that someone feels enthusiastic about

See the full definition for enthusiasm in the English Language Learners Dictionary

enthusiasm

noun
en·​thu·​si·​asm | \ in-ˈthü-zē-ˌaz-əm How to pronounce enthusiasm (audio) , -ˈthyü-\

Kids Definition of enthusiasm

: strong feeling in favor of something There were wild shouts of enthusiasm at this suggestion.— E. B. White, Stuart Little

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