English Explanatory Dictionary

enthusiasm

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. An intensity of feeling; an excited interest or eagerness.
  2. Something in which one is keenly interested.
  3. Possession by a god; divine inspiration or frenzy.

Pronunciation

/ɪnˈθuziæzəm/ /ɪnˈθjuːziæzm̩/ /-θɪu̯-/ /ɛn-/ en-uk-enthusiasm.ogg en-us-enthusiasm.ogg

Word forms

enthusiasm enthusiasms

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”).

Synonyms

ardor alacrity celerity energy enthusiasm exuberance exuberantness fanaticism fervor gusto purpose verve vigor vim zeal zealousness

Antonyms

apathy lethargy

Related words

enthuse enthusiast enthusiastic enthusiastically

Derived words

counterenthusiasm hyperenthusiasm nonenthusiasm overenthusiasm penthusiasm ultraenthusiasm unenthusiasm
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