enthusiasm
noun
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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
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. "It's part of our new training program. Come on, grab your broom, and let's go," said Wood heartily. 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.
—J. K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets, 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.
Kayla Hayempour, NBC news, 29 Mar. 2026
OpenClaw’s nascent success exemplifies how China’s official embrace of advanced technology can translate into grassroots enthusiasm as Beijing pursues domestic growth and an ambitious global agenda.
—CNN Money, 29 Mar. 2026
Duncanville first baseman Madison Lee (7) rounds second base with enthusiasm after igniting Panthers players and fans by hitting a grand slam home run during the top of the 3rd inning of play against Waxahachie.
—Dallas Morning News, 28 Mar. 2026
The split could hurt GOP enthusiasm ahead of midterms.
—Thomas Beaumont, Los Angeles Times, 28 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for enthusiasm
Cite this Entry
“Enthusiasm.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/enthusiasm. Accessed 1 Apr. 2026.
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enthusiasm
noun
