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 & Antonyms 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

All of the noise at the national level has not translated into enthusiasm in local and statewide contests. — Amy Chance, sacbee, "California Influencers: What did we learn from the June primary election, and why?," 11 June 2018 To continue reading this story, TRY IT NOW The Reagan senior shares the same enthusiasm in being a team player. — David Hinojosa, San Antonio Express-News, "Reagan’s Killeen is back at home," 6 June 2018 The risk is particularly high for Democrats, who are riding a wave of anti-Trump enthusiasm in California. — Gregg Re, Fox News, "California's key primaries: Trump-backed John Cox outpaces Villaraigosa for governor, Feinstein takes top spot in Senate contest," 6 June 2018 And over the course of the following year, the enthusiasm in that room has slowly trickled down to the readers of the world. — Constance Grady, Vox, "How a book can become a hit before it’s even finished," 30 May 2018 And that’s why there’s enormous enthusiasm in the Puerto Rican and Hispanic community for my candidacy. — Steven Lemongello, OrlandoSentinel.com, "Soto, Grayson battle for Puerto Rican, progressive votes in Democratic primary," 25 May 2018 Meanwhile, the poll found a distinct lack of interest or enthusiasm in California for 2020 presidential bids by Sen. Kamala Harris, L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti or Democratic activist Tom Steyer. — latimes.com, "Today: The Race to Second Place," 23 May 2018 The wins in state legislative races are seen -- in part because the candidates are typically little-known -- as gauges of voters' enthusiasm in small slices of the country. — Eric Bradner, CNN, "Democrats flip 41st state legislative seat of Trump era in Pennsylvania," 16 May 2018 Brenner is proud of the students' dedication and enthusiasm in working on this project. — Sergio Carmona, Jewish Journal, "Jewish institutions in Broward and Miami-Dade celebrating Israel's 70th," 5 Apr. 2018

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.