Enthusiasm: Definition, Usage & Examples

Meaning 1：eager excitement (enthusiasm)

enthusiasm 🔊

/ɪnˈθjuːziæzəm/

A strong feeling of excitement and interest in something that makes you eager to be involved.

Enthusiasm illustrated by a joyful young person celebrating with energetic body language in a bright community setting.

eager excitement 🔊

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/ˈiːɡər ɪkˈsaɪtmənt/

A powerful and positive emotional state combining keen interest, lively enjoyment, and a strong desire to participate or engage.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Greek 'enthousiasmos' (possessed by a god), from 'en' (in) + 'theos' (god).

💡 Mnemonic

Think of 'enthuse' in 'enthusiasm' - when you're full of enthusiasm, you 'enthuse' about things!

📖 Example

Her enthusiasm for volunteering at the animal shelter is contagious, inspiring others to join too. 🔊 Her eager excitement for volunteering at the animal shelter spreads to others, motivating them to participate.

🔗 Collocations

show enthusiasm – to display eager excitement or keen interest

great enthusiasm – a very high level of eager excitement

initial enthusiasm – the eager excitement felt at the beginning of something

🔄 Synonyms

zeal (n.) – Great energy or enthusiasm in pursuit of a cause or an objective.

passion (n.) – A very strong feeling of enthusiasm or excitement for something or about doing something.

ardor (n.) – Very strong feelings of enthusiasm or love.

🚫 Antonyms

apathy (n.) – Lack of interest, enthusiasm, or concern.

indifference (n.) – Lack of interest, concern, or enthusiasm.

lethargy (n.) – A lack of energy and enthusiasm.

🌱 Derivatives

enthusiast (n.) – A person who is very interested in and involved with a particular subject or activity.

enthusiastic (adj.) – Having or showing intense and eager enjoyment, interest, or approval.

📖 Cultural Story

In ancient Greece, 'enthousiasmos' described divine inspiration, a god entering a person. This evolved to mean intense passion. In modern English, it often describes infectious energy in teams or projects.