enthusiasm

noun

en·thu·si·asm | \ in-ˈthü-zē-ˌa-zəm

, 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.

Recent Examples on the Web

Now, that’s enthusiasm that normally doesn’t come worms’ way. — cleveland.com, "Free piano concert at Pepper Pike church; Broadway musical tunes come to Cain Park; more: Press Run," 12 July 2019 Its cover features a photo of no fewer than 29 young musicians, all brimming with hope and enthusiasm, early in their careers. — San Diego Union-Tribune, "Ian Anderson of Jethro Tull bites the bullet for 50th anniversary tour," 30 June 2019 There was a lot of money at play, for sure, but also an innocent enthusiasm; lots of beer, but no booth babes. — Andrew Curry, WIRED, "One Boy’s Dream Vacation to See Giant Construction Equipment," 26 June 2019 When artist Lizzo took the stage, Rihanna responded with appropriate enthusiasm, clapping along and planting the seed for my burning need for a collaboration between the two singers. — Kathryn Lindsay, refinery29.com, "No One Had A Better BET Awards Show Than Rihanna," 24 June 2019 There was an enthusiasm and a work ethic that went around. — John Pope, nola.com, "Dave Bartholomew, New Orleans composer who helped create rock ‘n’ roll, dies at 100," 23 June 2019 Apparently the residents’ enthusiasm for their neighbors did not extend to potential new ones. — Noah Smith, Twin Cities, "Noah Smith: America’s battle over housing is just getting started," 16 June 2019 The first wave was naive enthusiasm for these collective systems. — Quanta Magazine, "Smarter Parts Make Collective Systems Too Stubborn," 26 Feb. 2019 Though UConn will be charged an exit fee of at least $10 million from the AAC and an entrance fee of $3.5 million from the Big East, Herbst said the school will benefit from savings on team travel, increased ticket sales and enthusiasm from donors. — Alex Putterman, courant.com, "‘Welcome back:’ UConn, Big East make partnership official with joint press conference," 27 June 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.