enthusiasm
noun/ɪnˈθuziæzəm/ · /ɪnˈθjuːziæzm̩/
Etymology First attested from 1603, from Middle French enthousiasme, from Late Latin enthusiasmus, from Ancient Greek ἐνθουσιασμός (enthousiasmós), from ἐν (en, “in”) + θεός (theós, “god”) + οὐσία (ousía, “essence”).
1
An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.
- Try to curb your enthusiasm.
- They have a great enthusiasm for country music.
1 more example
- By the end of this period pupils are expected to be reading simple books independently and with enthusiasm.1972, Mortimer J. Adler, Charles Van Doren, How to Read a Book, →ISBN, →LCCN, page 25:
2
Something in which one is keenly interested.
- My main enthusiasm is attending and seeing the progress and interest of collectors, to meet old friends, and hopefully to make new friends.1968, Central States Archaeological Journal, volumes 15-16, page 154:
- Other Adamsian enthusiasms included: fast cars; restaurants; Bach, the Beatles, Pink Floyd and Dire Straits; […]2012, Nicholas Joll, Philosophy and The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy, page 23:
3
Historical, Obsolete Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.
- The intoxication that they sought was that of ‘enthusiasm’, of union with the god.1946, Bertrand Russell, chapter 1, in History of Western Philosophy:
- Synonyms
- ardor, alacrity, celerity, energy, enthusiasm, exuberance, exuberantness, fanaticism, fervor, gusto, purpose, verve, vigor, vim, zeal, zealousness
- Derived terms
- counterenthusiasm, hyperenthusiasm, nonenthusiasm, overenthusiasm, penthusiasm, ultraenthusiasm, unenthusiasm
- Related terms
- enthuse, enthusiast, enthusiastic, enthusiastically